Patient Access

Congress Passes ACT for ALS Reauthorization, Extends Programs to 2031

Los Angeles – – September 29, 2026 -- Congress has passed the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 (H.R. 8205), sending the bipartisan bill to the President's desk just two days before the underlying program was set to expire on September 30, 2026.

Senate approval follows House passage, clearing the path for a presidential signature

The legislation cleared the U.S. House of Representatives before the Senate gave final approval, moving the bill to the President for signature. Once enacted, the law will extend core ACT for ALS programs through 2031, continuing federal support for ALS research infrastructure and expanded access to investigational therapies.

Bristol Myers Squibb Joins Rare Access Action Project Coalition

Washington – September 23, 2026 -- Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has joined the Rare Access Action Project (RAAP), adding a major biopharmaceutical player to a coalition working to resolve coverage and access barriers for rare disease patients.

RAAP expands coalition with BMS to tackle patient access barriers

RAAP, a coalition of patient advocates and life sciences companies, confirmed BMS's membership as part of its ongoing effort to develop policy solutions for structural access and coverage gaps affecting rare disease patients. Michael Eging, Executive Director of RAAP, said BMS brings a long history of scientific innovation and a strong commitment to patients facing serious and complex diseases.

Zocdoc Expands Booking Network to AI Platforms, Search Engines

NEW YORK – September 22, 2026 -- Zocdoc announced a platform expansion that makes healthcare providers bookable beyond Zocdoc.com through a single connection to its Care Access Network, which already includes Amazon Health AI, Gemini, Yelp, Healthgrades, Blue Shield of California and multiple search engines.

Patients now search for care across a growing number of fragmented channels

A new national Zocdoc survey found that 69% of patients who search for a new doctor check multiple places, from AI platforms and insurance directories to search engines and review sites. More than 1 in 3 patients have switched doctors because scheduling was too difficult, while 43% would consider switching to a provider that is easier to book.

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