Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 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.