Bill · H.R. 9984· House(119-HR-9984)
Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/30/2026
- Last activity
- 7/30/2026 — 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
- John Joyce
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026 aims to amend the Social Security Act to provide Medicare payment for services performed by radiologist assistants. These assistants are advanced-level radiographers who work under the supervision of a radiologist. The bill establishes specific definitions for radiologist assistant services and the credentials required for these professionals. It also outlines how payments should be distributed to supervising radiologists in various settings, such as hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. These changes are intended to improve patient outcomes through efficient, value-based solutions. The provisions are set to take effect for services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+5
The bill aims to increase access to imaging services by removing barriers to care provided by radiologist assistants.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+4
Seniors relying on Medicare benefit from improved access to radiology services through radiologist assistants.
Would retired people be better off under this?+4
Retirees on Medicare will benefit from increased access to essential radiological services.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Patient Outcomes: The bill finds that removing barriers to care provided by radiologist assistants will provide value-sased, efficient solutions to improve patient outcomes (Section 2).
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Increased Access to Care: By removing barriers to care rendered by radiologist assistants, the bill aims to improve patient outcomes and ensure safety (Section 2).
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Clear Professional Standards: The bill defines a radiologist assistant as a radiographer certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, ensuring a specific standard of training (Section 3(a)(2)).
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Structured Supervision: The bill ensures patient safety by requiring that radiologist assistant services are performed under the supervision of a radiologist (Section 2; Section 3(a)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Explicit Negative Impacts: The provided text does not list specific provisions that would result in negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups.
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+4Good For Seniors+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5Increases Medicare Funding+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2
- 7/30/2026
- 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike ThompsonDemocrat · California