Medicare Patient Choice Act

This legislative proposal seeks to enhance patient autonomy within the Medicare program by amending Section 1802(b) of the Social Security Act. The core objective is to grant Medicare beneficiaries the free choice to select their physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and qualified audiologists directly. The bill achieves this by systematically replacing references to "physician or practitioner" with "physician, practitioner, therapist, or qualified audiologist" throughout the relevant sections. This modification ensures that these specialized healthcare professionals are explicitly included in the provisions governing a beneficiary's right to choose their provider. Furthermore, the legislation adds specific definitions for "therapist" and "qualified audiologist," clarifying the scope of professionals covered under this expanded choice.