Bill Summary
The "Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025" aims to enhance access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under the Medicare program. The legislation proposes several key amendments to the Social Security Act:
1. **Expanded Provider Access**: It allows a broader range of healthcare providers—specifically physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists—to prescribe and oversee rehabilitation exercises, in addition to physicians.
2. **Flexible Setting**: The bill modifies the requirement that rehabilitation services be provided specifically in a physician's office, allowing for greater flexibility by permitting these services in various office settings.
3. **Implementation Timeline**: The changes will take effect six months after the enactment of the bill.
Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the accessibility and quality of rehabilitation services for patients with cardiac and pulmonary conditions under Medicare, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025" could affect people:
1. **Increased Accessibility to Rehabilitation Services**: By allowing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to prescribe and oversee cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, this legislation expands access to these critical services. Patients may find it easier to receive rehabilitation recommendations and support in various healthcare settings, not just in a physician’s office. This could lead to more individuals participating in these programs, improving their recovery outcomes and overall health.
2. **Improved Health Outcomes for Patients**: With expanded access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, patients recovering from heart or lung conditions may have better access to structured exercise programs and therapeutic support. This can lead to improved health outcomes, such as reduced hospital readmissions, enhanced quality of life, and lower mortality rates. As patients engage more effectively in their rehabilitation due to better access, the overall burden on the healthcare system may also decrease.
3. **Potential Cost Savings for Medicare**: By facilitating earlier and more comprehensive access to rehabilitation services, the legislation may contribute to cost savings for Medicare in the long run. Patients who actively participate in rehabilitation programs may experience fewer complications and a decreased likelihood of severe health events, which can lead to reduced healthcare costs over time. This would benefit both the Medicare program and the beneficiaries by promoting more effective management of chronic conditions.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 717 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 717
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand and expedite
access to cardiac rehabilitation programs and pulmonary rehabilitation
programs under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 25, 2025
Mrs. Capito (for herself and Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand and expedite
access to cardiac rehabilitation programs and pulmonary rehabilitation
programs under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac
Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. EXPANDING ACCESS TO CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AND
PULMONARY REHABILITATION PROGRAMS UNDER MEDICARE PROGRAM.
(a) Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs.--Section 1861(eee) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(eee)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``a
physician's office'' and inserting ``the office
setting''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by inserting after
``physician'' the following: ``(as defined in
subsection (r)(1)) or a physician assistant, nurse
practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist (as those
terms are defined in subsection (aa)(5))'';
(2) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``physician-prescribed
exercise'' and inserting ``exercise prescribed by a physician
(as defined in subsection (r)(1)) or a physician assistant,
nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist (as those
terms are defined in subsection (aa)(5))''; and
(3) in paragraph (5), by inserting after ``physician'' the
following: ``(as defined in subsection (r)(1)) or a physician
assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist (as
those terms are defined in subsection (aa)(5))''.
(b) Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs.--Section 1861(fff) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(fff)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``physician-prescribed
exercise'' and inserting ``exercise prescribed by a physician
(as defined in subsection (r)(1)) or a physician assistant,
nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist (as those
terms are defined in subsection (aa)(5))''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting after ``physician'' the
following: ``(as defined in subsection (r)(1)) or a physician
assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist (as
those terms are defined in subsection (aa)(5))''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to items and services furnished on or after the date
that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
<all>