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Amends section 1861 (42 U.S.C. 1395x) to add qualified acupuncturist services to the list of covered items/services and to add a new subsection defining "qualified acupuncturist services" and "qualified acupuncturist," and to permit separate billing for acupuncturist services furnished in an inpatient hospital setting.
Amends section 1833(a)(2)(B) (42 U.S.C. 1395l) to insert additional language into clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) to implement separate payment rules for services of institutional providers related to acupuncturist services.
Amends section 1842(b)(18)(C) (42 U.S.C. 1395u) to add a new clause recognizing a "qualified acupuncturist" as a practitioner for purposes of that provision.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced February 27, 2025 by Judy Chu · Last progress February 27, 2025
Expands Medicare to cover acupuncturist services when furnished by practitioners who meet defined qualifications. It creates standard definitions for “qualified acupuncturist services” and “qualified acupuncturist,” so Medicare can recognize and pay for this care.
Updates Medicare’s billing and payment rules to process these claims under existing systems. Coverage begins for services provided 270 days after the law takes effect.