Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy joins newborn screening list—free tests incoming!
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
Great news! Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a serious muscle disease affecting newborns, is now officially added to the list of conditions all babies should be screened for at birth. Starting one year after this announcement, health insurance plans must cover these screenings with no extra costs, helping families catch and treat DMD early for better outcomes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Insurers must cover DMD newborn screening
The HHS Secretary added Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel on December 16, 2025. Non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers must cover the DMD newborn screening without copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for plan years beginning on or after December 16, 2026 (one year after the Secretary's adoption).
Earlier diagnosis enables treatment access
HRSA and commenters noted that adding DMD to the RUSP may let families receive a DMD diagnosis sooner, enabling earlier access to interventions, support services, and treatment options. The notice also states there are FDA-approved treatments that can help children walk longer and extend heart and lung functions.
State adoption not required immediately
Adding DMD to the RUSP does not force states to start screening right away. States still decide if and when to add DMD to their newborn screening programs based on their budgets and priorities.
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