Bill · H.R. 4204· House(119-HR-4204)
Medicare Patient Choice Act
- Introduced
- 6/26/2025
- Last activity
- 6/26/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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
- Lloyd Smucker
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Medicare Patient Choice Act" aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. This legislation seeks to allow Medicare beneficiaries the ability to choose their own therapists. Specifically, it expands coverage language to include physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. The bill updates various paragraphs within section 1802(b) of the Social Security Act. These changes involve replacing specific references to "physician or practitioner" with broader terms including therapists and qualified audiologists.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+6
The bill specifically benefits seniors who are Medicare beneficiaries by expanding their choice of therapists.
Would retired people be better off under this?+6
The bill enhances choice and access to essential services for Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom are retirees.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill provides more options for therapeutic services which can be crucial for individuals with disabilities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Choice for Beneficiaries: The bill allows Medicare beneficiaries to choose their own physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists, rather than being limited to those currently specified in the existing language of the Social Security Act (Section 2).
-
Expanded Coverage Definitions: By adding definitions for "therapist" and "qualified audiologist," the bill incorporates qualified physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists into the established Medicare framework (Section 2, Paragraph 5, Subparagraph C).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
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+6Good For Seniors+6Good For People With Disabilities+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- 3/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/1/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/29/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/26/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Cleo FieldsDemocrat · Louisiana
Glenn GrothmanRepublican · Wisconsin
Kevin HernRepublican · Oklahoma
Mike KellyRepublican · Pennsylvania
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia