Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
- Committees
- Finance Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 21, 2026
Bottom line
This bill expands Medicare coverage to formally recognize and provide payment for services rendered by certified radiologist assistants under radiologist supervision, aiming to enhance patient access and efficiency in radiology care.
What it actually does
This bill amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include radiologist assistant services as a covered benefit under the Medicare program. It defines these services as those performed by a certified radiologist assistant under the supervision of a radiologist and establishes a payment mechanism where the supervising radiologist receives payment for these services in specified facility settings. The bill also includes findings emphasizing the role of radiologist assistants as part of the radiologist-led team.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation will leverage the expertise of advanced-level radiographers, improving patient access to diagnostic and interventional imaging, especially in underserved areas. They contend it provides a value-based, efficient solution to enhance patient outcomes while maintaining high safety standards through strict radiologist supervision, formalizing a critical role within the healthcare system.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the expansion of Medicare coverage to non-physician services, suggesting it could lead to increased program costs or potential overutilization. While the bill emphasizes supervision, some may question the necessity of this expansion or its impact on the existing scope of practice for radiologists and other medical professionals.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and informed review by interested parties.
Section 3(a)(1) and (2)
Medicare Coverage for Radiologist Assistant Services
This provision amends Section 1861 of the Social Security Act to explicitly include "radiologist assistant services" as a covered benefit under Medicare Part B. It defines these services as those that would typically be physicians' services if performed by a physician, are performed by a radiologist assistant certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, are legally authorized by the state, and are furnished under the direct supervision of a radiologist. It also clarifies that no other provider, besides the supervising radiologist, can charge for these services.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for modernizing Medicare to reflect current healthcare team structures, allowing RAs to perform delegated tasks and thereby freeing radiologists to focus on more complex interpretations and procedures. This is expected to improve patient access to care, especially in areas with radiologist shortages, while maintaining high standards of quality and safety through required supervision.
Critics contend
Critics might express concerns that expanding Medicare coverage to a new category of services, even under supervision, could lead to increased utilization and overall program costs. They may also question the necessity of this expansion if existing personnel could adequately meet demand, or if it could subtly shift the scope of practice in ways that require further scrutiny.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of improving efficiency and access to care by leveraging the skills of RAs against potential concerns regarding increased Medicare expenditures and the precise delineation of roles within the radiology team.
Section 3(b)
Payment Mechanism for Radiologist Assistant Services
This section amends Medicare payment rules to specify that payment for radiologist assistant services, when furnished in a "covered facility setting" (defined to include hospitals, critical access hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers), will be made directly to the supervising radiologist. The payment amount will be determined according to existing Medicare physician fee schedule provisions, specifically Section 1833(a)(1)(O) of the Social Security Act, which typically sets payment at a percentage of the physician fee schedule amount.
This subsection, titled 'Rules of construction,' clarifies that the new coverage and payment provisions for radiologist assistant services do not affect existing Medicare coverage or payment for the technical component of imaging services, the amount of payment for services personally performed by a radiologist, or payment for services furnished by a covered facility setting.
Section 3(a)(2), adding new subsection (ooo)(3) to Section 1861 of the Social Security Act
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to prevent unintended consequences and explicitly delineate how new provisions interact with existing law. It ensures that the bill's scope is precisely limited to RA services and does not inadvertently alter established payment mechanisms for other aspects of radiology.
Case for: Supporters would argue that this clause provides essential clarity and certainty to the healthcare industry, assuring providers that the bill's changes are targeted and will not disrupt existing, well-understood payment structures for other radiology services. This helps to mitigate potential opposition from stakeholders concerned about broader impacts.
Case against: No strong case against this provision, as it serves a clarifying and protective function, preventing unintended negative consequences for existing services. It is generally seen as a beneficial addition to ensure smooth implementation.
Estimated impact: Prevents unintended financial shifts or disruptions in existing Medicare payments for the technical components of imaging, radiologist services, and facility fees, thereby stabilizing a significant portion of radiology reimbursement.