Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act
Summary
The "Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act" aims to enhance Medicare coverage for advance care planning services. It waives cost-sharing for these services under Medicare Part B, starting January 1, 2027. The bill also expands access to these services through telehealth and mandates outreach to healthcare providers to inform them about Medicare payment for advance care planning.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase the utilization of advance care planning services by Medicare beneficiaries. By removing cost barriers and expanding access via telehealth, more individuals can discuss their healthcare preferences and create advance directives. Additionally, the mandated provider outreach should improve awareness and adoption of these services within the healthcare system.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to advance care planning services for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Reduced financial burden through waived cost-sharing.
- Expanded access via telehealth, particularly beneficial for rural or underserved populations.
- Improved provider awareness and utilization of advance care planning codes.
- Greater alignment of healthcare with individual preferences and values.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in Medicare costs due to increased service utilization.
- Possible administrative burden for healthcare providers in implementing the new payment policies.
- The effectiveness of the provider outreach program may vary.
- The definition of 'relevant care planning certification' for clinical social workers is left to the Secretary, potentially leading to inconsistent application.
- The act's impact is delayed until January 1, 2027, for cost-sharing waivers.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to improve healthcare access and quality for senior citizens. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The expansion of Medicare benefits falls under Congress's power to legislate for the health and well-being of the population. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or enumerated limitations on Congressional power.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).