A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +5
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The bill aims to increase access to imaging services by removing barriers to care provided by radiologist assistants.
- Scored +4
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
Seniors relying on Medicare benefit from improved access to radiology services through radiologist assistants.
- Scored +4
Would retired people be better off under this?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees on Medicare will benefit from increased access to essential radiological services. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors relying on Medicare benefit from improved access to radiology services through radiologist assistants.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill aims to increase access to imaging services by removing barriers to care provided by radiologist assistants. Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The bill expands Medicare coverage by allowing reimbursement for services performed by radiologist assistants.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — By allowing Medicare reimbursement for radiologist assistants, the bill supports the integration and utilization of these professionals in the workforce.
- 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