S.717 - Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.717, the "Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025," aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill focuses on expanding and expediting access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under Medicare. It was introduced in the Senate on February 25, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Expected Effects
The bill will broaden the scope of healthcare professionals authorized to prescribe and supervise cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. This includes allowing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to participate in these programs. The changes will apply to services furnished six months after the enactment of the Act.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Greater flexibility in the types of healthcare professionals who can oversee these programs.
- Potentially improved health outcomes for individuals with cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
- Could lead to more efficient use of healthcare resources.
- May reduce hospital readmissions due to improved post-acute care.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to the Medicare program due to expanded access.
- Possible concerns about the quality of care if non-physician practitioners are not adequately trained or supervised.
- Administrative burden associated with implementing the changes.
- Risk of overutilization of services if not properly managed.
- Potential for inconsistencies in care delivery across different settings.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve the health and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under the power of Congress to provide for the general welfare through healthcare programs.
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).