Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
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.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Health
Medicare Patient Choice Act
USA119th CongressHR-4204| House
| Updated: 6/26/2025
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.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.