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Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4624| Senate 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
John Boozman

John Boozman

Republican Senator

Arkansas

Cosponsors (1)
Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)

Finance Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to expand Medicare coverage to include services provided by radiologist assistants . It amends the Social Security Act to define these services as those that would typically be physician services, performed by a certified radiographer under the direct supervision of a radiologist, and legally authorized by the state where they are rendered. The legislation emphasizes that radiologist assistants are critical members of the radiologist-led team, working strictly under supervision and not seeking independent practice. A key provision of the bill is that payment for radiologist assistant services, particularly when furnished in a covered facility setting such as a hospital or ambulatory surgical center, will be made directly to the supervising radiologist . This ensures that the existing payment structure for physician services remains intact while integrating these advanced-level radiographers into the Medicare system. The changes are slated to take effect for services provided on or after January 1, 2027, aiming to improve patient outcomes and safety by removing barriers to care.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-1544
Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2641
Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-5492
Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2024
May 21, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-1544
    Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2641
    Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-5492
    Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2024


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4624| Senate 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This bill aims to expand Medicare coverage to include services provided by radiologist assistants . It amends the Social Security Act to define these services as those that would typically be physician services, performed by a certified radiographer under the direct supervision of a radiologist, and legally authorized by the state where they are rendered. The legislation emphasizes that radiologist assistants are critical members of the radiologist-led team, working strictly under supervision and not seeking independent practice. A key provision of the bill is that payment for radiologist assistant services, particularly when furnished in a covered facility setting such as a hospital or ambulatory surgical center, will be made directly to the supervising radiologist . This ensures that the existing payment structure for physician services remains intact while integrating these advanced-level radiographers into the Medicare system. The changes are slated to take effect for services provided on or after January 1, 2027, aiming to improve patient outcomes and safety by removing barriers to care.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-1544
Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2641
Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-5492
Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2024
May 21, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-1544
    Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2641
    Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-5492
    Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2024


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
John Boozman

John Boozman

Republican Senator

Arkansas

Cosponsors (1)
Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)

Finance Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted