SAFE Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
- Committees
- Finance Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 31, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to reduce falls and related injuries among Medicare beneficiaries by integrating specialized fall prevention services into routine preventive care and empowering physical and occupational therapists to deliver these services.
What it actually does
The SAFE Act amends the Social Security Act to expand Medicare's annual wellness visit (AWV) and initial preventive physical examination (IPPE) benefits. It mandates that AWVs for individuals who have fallen in the previous year include a falls risk assessment and prevention services, and explicitly allows physical and occupational therapists to provide these services. Additionally, it adds outpatient physical and occupational therapy services to the IPPE for beneficiaries with a history of falls.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that falls are a leading cause of injury, disability, and death among older adults, and by proactively integrating fall risk assessments and prevention services into Medicare's preventive benefits, the bill will significantly improve senior health outcomes. They contend it will reduce healthcare costs associated with fall-related injuries and empower qualified therapists to play a crucial role in preventive care, leveraging their expertise to keep seniors safer and healthier.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that expanding covered services, even preventive ones, could increase Medicare expenditures without a guaranteed, measurable return on investment in terms of reduced fall rates or overall healthcare savings. Some may also argue that the existing framework for fall prevention is sufficient, or that the requirement for a physician's determination of a prior fall could create an additional administrative barrier to accessing these new services.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it easy to read and understand within a few minutes, allowing ample time for comprehensive evaluation.
Section 2(a)(1)(A)-(C)
Mandating Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention in Annual Wellness Visits
This section amends the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) to require that if a physician determines a Medicare beneficiary experienced a fall in the previous calendar year, their AWV must now include a specific assessment of their risk for future falls and services designed to prevent those falls. This makes fall prevention a mandatory component of the AWV for at-risk individuals.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision directly addresses a critical health issue for seniors by making fall prevention a mandatory part of routine check-ups for at-risk individuals, leading to earlier intervention, improved safety, and better health outcomes.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this adds another mandate to already complex AWVs, potentially increasing administrative burden on physicians or leading to over-utilization of services if not properly managed.
Tradeoffs
Balances the benefit of proactive health intervention against potential increases in administrative burden and Medicare spending.
Section 2(a)(1)(B)(iii) and (B)(3)(D)
Allowing Therapists to Furnish Falls Services in AWVs
This part clarifies that for the newly mandated falls risk assessment and prevention services within the Annual Wellness Visit, a physical therapist or an occupational therapist can provide these services separately. This applies specifically to individuals identified by a physician as having fallen in the prior year, expanding the types of professionals who can deliver these specialized preventive services.
Section 2(b)(1)(O)
Including Outpatient Therapy for Falls in Initial Preventive Physical Exams
This section amends the Medicare Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE), often known as the 'Welcome to Medicare' visit, to include outpatient occupational therapy and physical therapy services. These services are specifically covered for individuals who have been determined by a physician to have experienced a fall in the previous calendar year, providing early intervention for new Medicare beneficiaries.
Section 3
Annual Reports to Congress on Falls Data
This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit annual reports to Congress, beginning January 1, 2027. These reports must detail the number of falls (as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) experienced by individuals aged 65 and older who received treatment for pain or injury related to a fall in the previous calendar year, including year-over-year changes.