Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 30, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to increase access to physical therapy services in medically underserved areas by incentivizing physical therapists to work in these regions and by expanding Medicare coverage for these services in rural and community health settings.
What it actually does
This bill expands the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program to include physical therapists and allocates $15 million specifically for their loan repayments. It also amends the Social Security Act to include physical therapy services as covered benefits under Medicare when furnished by Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation addresses critical workforce shortages for physical therapists in underserved areas, which is essential for pain management, reducing opioid reliance, and supporting rehabilitation needs, including those arising from chronic conditions like long COVID. Expanding Medicare coverage in RHCs and FQHCs will significantly improve access for vulnerable populations.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the overall cost implications of expanding federal loan repayment programs and Medicare benefits, potentially increasing the federal deficit. Some may also question the administrative burden on RHCs and FQHCs to integrate new services or debate the effectiveness of loan repayment programs versus other strategies for workforce distribution.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, allowing for a quick and accessible evaluation by an informed reader.
Sections 2(a), 2(b), 2(c)
Inclusion of Physical Therapists in National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
This provision amends the Public Health Service Act to explicitly include physical therapists as eligible health professionals for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program. It establishes 'Physical Therapy Health Professional Target Areas' for assignment and modifies eligibility criteria to include doctoral or master's degrees in physical therapy, allowing physical therapists to receive loan repayment in exchange for serving in underserved areas.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this will attract more physical therapists to critical shortage areas, improving patient access to non-pharmacological pain management and rehabilitation, aligning with the bill's findings on the opioid crisis and COVID-19 recovery.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that expanding eligibility for loan repayment programs without a corresponding increase in overall funding could dilute the impact for other existing eligible professions or that the program's effectiveness in long-term retention is debatable.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need to address physical therapy workforce shortages in underserved areas with the broader demands on the NHSC program and federal funding.
Section 3
Dedicated Funding for Physical Therapists in NHSC
This section increases the total authorized funding for the National Health Service Corps Fund by $15 million, specifically earmarking this additional amount for making loan repayments for physical therapists participating in the NHSC Loan Repayment Program. This ensures dedicated resources for the newly eligible profession.
Section 4(a)
Medicare Coverage Expansion for Physical Therapy in RHCs/FQHCs
This provision amends the Social Security Act to include physical therapy services, as defined in existing Medicare law (subsection (p)), within the scope of services covered by Medicare when furnished by Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). This means Medicare beneficiaries can receive physical therapy at these facilities.