Bill · S. 3607· Senate(119-S-3607)
Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/8/2026
- Last activity
- 1/8/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S116-117)
- Sponsored by
- John Barrasso
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026 aims to amend the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage. It specifically seeks to include genetic counseling services under Medicare Part B. This expansion applies to services furnished by qualified genetic counselors on or after January 1, 2027. The bill defines what constitutes a genetic counselor and how their services are covered. It also addresses payment amounts and balance billing provisions.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill increases Medicare coverage for genetic counseling services, benefiting those enrolled in Medicare.
Would retired people be better off under this?+5
The expansion of Medicare Part B benefits provides more specialized healthcare options for retirees.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+5
By covering genetic counseling under Medicare, the bill increases access to these specialized services for beneficiaries.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded Medicare Coverage: The bill expands coverage for genetic counseling services under Medicare Part B, which could provide more access to these services for beneficiaries (Section 2(a)).
-
Clear Definition of Providers: By defining a "genetic counselor" as someone licensed by a State or certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, the bill establishes specific standards for who can provide these services (Section 2(a)(2)).
-
Payment Structure: The bill establishes a specific payment amount for covered genetic counseling services, calculated as 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge or 85 percent of the physician fee schedule amount (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed 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+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Low Income Households+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5Increases Medicare Funding+3
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/8/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S116-117)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont