Preventing Racism in Medicare Act of 2024

Preventing Racism in Medicare Act of 2024

This bill prohibits the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from including the development of anti-racism plans (i.e., plans to address systemic racism in health care) as a qualifying clinical practice improvement activity under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), as described in a November 2021 rule. (MIPS is an incentive program under Medicare that allows health care professionals to receive payment adjustments based on certain performance measures.)

Bill 118 HR 7207, also known as the Preventing Racism in Medicare Act of 2024, aims to address racial disparities in healthcare by requiring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to collect and analyze data on race and ethnicity in Medicare programs. The bill seeks to identify and address any disparities in access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes based on race and ethnicity.

The legislation also includes provisions to improve cultural competency training for healthcare providers, increase diversity in the healthcare workforce, and promote health equity initiatives within Medicare. Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a task force to study and make recommendations on how to address racism and discrimination in healthcare.

Overall, the Preventing Racism in Medicare Act of 2024 is aimed at ensuring that all Medicare beneficiaries receive equitable and high-quality care, regardless of their race or ethnicity. By collecting and analyzing data on healthcare disparities and implementing strategies to address them, the bill seeks to promote health equity and reduce racial disparities in healthcare.