Bill 119 HR 539, also known as the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage to include all physicians' services provided by doctors of chiropractic within the scope of their license. This bill seeks to address the current limitations on Medicare coverage for chiropractic services, which are currently only covered for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation.
The bill proposes to allow Medicare beneficiaries to access a wider range of services provided by doctors of chiropractic, such as evaluation and management services, diagnostic imaging, and other necessary treatments within their scope of practice. This expansion of coverage is intended to improve access to chiropractic care for Medicare beneficiaries and promote alternative and holistic approaches to healthcare.
In addition to expanding Medicare coverage for chiropractic services, the bill also includes provisions to ensure that doctors of chiropractic are reimbursed at the same rate as other healthcare providers for the same services. This is aimed at addressing disparities in reimbursement rates that currently exist for chiropractic services compared to other healthcare providers.
Overall, Bill 119 HR 539 seeks to modernize Medicare coverage for chiropractic services and improve access to alternative healthcare options for Medicare beneficiaries. It is a step towards promoting holistic and patient-centered care within the Medicare program.