This legislation aims to strengthen fall prevention measures for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those who have experienced a fall in the previous year. It amends the Social Security Act to integrate specific fall-related services into both the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) and the Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE). These changes are designed to proactively address fall risks and provide necessary interventions. Specifically, for individuals with a physician-determined history of falling, the AWV must now include a falls risk assessment and fall prevention services . Crucially, the bill permits physical therapists and occupational therapists to furnish these specialized services during the AWV. Similarly, the IPPE for these beneficiaries will now encompass outpatient occupational therapy and physical therapy services. These provisions are set to take effect for visits furnished on or after January 1, 2026. To monitor the impact of these changes, the bill also mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services submit annual reports to Congress, starting January 1, 2027. These reports will detail the number of falls among individuals aged 65 and older who received treatment for fall-related injuries, including year-to-year changes.
This legislation aims to strengthen fall prevention measures for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those who have experienced a fall in the previous year. It amends the Social Security Act to integrate specific fall-related services into both the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) and the Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE). These changes are designed to proactively address fall risks and provide necessary interventions. Specifically, for individuals with a physician-determined history of falling, the AWV must now include a falls risk assessment and fall prevention services . Crucially, the bill permits physical therapists and occupational therapists to furnish these specialized services during the AWV. Similarly, the IPPE for these beneficiaries will now encompass outpatient occupational therapy and physical therapy services. These provisions are set to take effect for visits furnished on or after January 1, 2026. To monitor the impact of these changes, the bill also mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services submit annual reports to Congress, starting January 1, 2027. These reports will detail the number of falls among individuals aged 65 and older who received treatment for fall-related injuries, including year-to-year changes.