Bill · H.R. 3021· House(119-HR-3021)
Empowering Patient Choice of Medical Care Act
- Introduced
- 4/24/2025
- Last activity
- 4/24/2025 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- Victoria Spartz
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, called the "Empowering Patient Choice of Medical Care Act," aims to eliminate the inpatient-only service list. Starting January 1, 2026, the Secretary of Health and Human Services can't deny outpatient hospital service designation just because they think it's only safe in a hospital. The bill modifies section 1833(t)(1)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act.
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Expanded access to outpatient services (Section 2): Allowing certain services to be offered in an outpatient setting could give patients more choices and potentially lower costs, which would be a good thing for people needing those services.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The bill does not explicitly mention any negative impacts for people.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+6
Eliminating the inpatient-only list expands the types of services available in outpatient settings, increasing patient choice and access.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
Seniors are primary users of Medicare and would benefit from increased options for outpatient care.
Would retired people be better off under this?+5
Retirees relying on Medicare gain more options for receiving medical services in outpatient settings.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-3
The bill limits the discretionary power of the Secretary of HHS to designate inpatient-only services.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Middle Class Households+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6Reduces Hospital Costs+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power-3
- 4/24/2025
- 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 in House