S.1168 - Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025 (S.1168) aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include coverage for portable ultrasound transportation and setup services under Medicare. This bill ensures that these services are reimbursed in a similar manner to portable X-ray services. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 27, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
If enacted, this would expand Medicare coverage to include portable ultrasound services, potentially increasing access to diagnostic imaging for beneficiaries, especially in rural or underserved areas. The effective date for these changes is set for services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
The bill seeks to provide equitable payment for portable ultrasound services, mirroring the existing payment structure for portable X-ray services, which could improve healthcare access and equity.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to expand Medicare coverage to include portable ultrasound transportation and setup services. This will likely increase the availability of ultrasound diagnostics, particularly for patients with limited mobility or those in rural areas.
By ensuring equitable payment for these services, the bill aims to incentivize providers to offer portable ultrasound services, leading to improved healthcare access. This could result in earlier and more accurate diagnoses for Medicare beneficiaries.
Ultimately, the bill's passage would mean that Medicare would cover portable ultrasound services in a similar manner to portable X-ray services, promoting equity in healthcare delivery.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Access to Healthcare: Expands access to diagnostic ultrasound services, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility issues.
- Equitable Reimbursement: Ensures that portable ultrasound services are reimbursed similarly to portable X-ray services, promoting fairness.
- Improved Diagnostic Capabilities: Allows for more timely and accurate diagnoses through wider availability of ultrasound technology.
- Potential Cost Savings: Early and accurate diagnoses can lead to more effective treatments and potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs.
- Supports Innovation: Encourages the use and development of portable ultrasound technology, fostering innovation in healthcare.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Medicare Costs: Expanding coverage could lead to higher overall costs for the Medicare program.
- Potential for Fraud: The increased availability of reimbursement could create opportunities for fraudulent billing practices.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing the new payment structure and requirements could create additional administrative burdens for healthcare providers and the government.
- Quality Control Concerns: Ensuring the quality and accuracy of portable ultrasound services may require additional oversight and regulation.
- Limited Impact: The impact may be limited if the demand for portable ultrasound services is lower than anticipated.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to improve healthcare access for Medicare beneficiaries. The Constitution's preamble states the goal to "promote the general Welfare," and this bill can be seen as a step toward achieving that goal by expanding healthcare services.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under that purview as it amends the Social Security Act to include additional healthcare coverage.
There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions. The bill does not infringe on individual liberties or rights, nor does it encroach upon states' rights.
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).