SAFE Act

This bill adds fall risk checks and fall prevention help to Medicare’s yearly wellness visit and the “Welcome to Medicare” exam for people who fell in the past year. It also allows physical and occupational therapists to provide these services during those visits .

Starting January 1, 2026, these changes apply to new wellness and initial preventive visits. It also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report each year, beginning January 1, 2027, how many people age 65 and older had falls that led to treatment for pain or injury, and to track changes over time.

• Who is affected: People on Medicare whom a doctor says fell in the previous year (for services); adults 65+ are counted in the yearly fall reports.
• What changes: Fall risk assessments and prevention services are added to the wellness and initial exam; physical and occupational therapists can provide these services .
• When: Coverage changes start Jan 1, 2026; annual reporting starts Jan 1, 2027.