Medicare clinical trial coverage could improve treatment of older Americans

June 9, 2000
Web posted at: 11:02 a.m. EDT (1502 GMT)

	VIDEO
CNN's Jonathan Aiken says the elderly already are benefitting from clinical trials under expanded Medicare policy. QuickTime Play Real 28K 80K Windows Media 28K 80K

Advocates for senior citizens are applauding the decision to cover clinical trials of new drugs and medical treatments under Medicare, the federal insurance program for the elderly and disabled.

President Bill Clinton announced the initiative Wednesday. It will expand coverage to include services like doctor's visits and lab tests that would be covered if the patient were undergoing traditional treatments.

Supporters of the change said it will encourage more older people to take part in clinical trials -- and that could help doctors treat seniors more effectively.

Correspondent Jonathan Aiken examines the issue.

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ClinicalTrials.gov
National Institute for Medical Research
National Library of Medicine
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthfinder

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