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Pete Frates' medical bills covered for next year

BOSTON — The family of Pete Frates said they have raised enough money to cover his medical bills for the next year, and other ALS patients may also benefit from a new charity named in his honor.

The new Peter Frates Home Health Initiative said it will help three to five ALS patients every year in Massachusetts whose insurance won’t cover skilled care at home.

The Beverly native, who is known for starting the Ice Bucket Challenge, was diagnosed with ALS five years ago.
Frates' family said his medical bills can sometimes top $90,000 a month.

The 32-year-old was re-admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital last week, where he is resting comfortably.

On Tuesday Frates joked about a false report that surfaced earlier this week that he had died. He sent out a tweet that said “happy fourth yall! ... Still not dead."