Nearly 200 Groups Urge Senate to Pass Clinical Trial Bill With $2,000 Tax Exclusion
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 15
Nearly 200 Groups Urge Senate to Pass Clinical Trial Bill With $2,000 Tax Exclusion
1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 15
Summary
Nearly 200 patient advocacy and public health groups pressed Senate sponsors in July to advance the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, aiming to reduce financial barriers that keep patients out of studies.
The bill would let trial sponsors cover deductibles, copays, travel and childcare, and would exclude up to $2,000 in participation support from federal taxes so patients do not jeopardize Medicaid or other income-based benefits.
The push comes as recruitment remains weak: 71% of chronically ill patients said they would likely join a trial, but two-thirds said their provider had never discussed one, and only 9% of adults reported ever being invited.
Access problems extend beyond awareness, with up to 86% of trials missing recruitment targets and many patients blocked by distance, strict eligibility rules and out-of-pocket costs even when routine care is insured.
HHS in June also sought input on easing federal rules that deter sponsors from reimbursing travel and lodging, reflecting broader momentum to modernize trial access and retention.