Bill > HR1667

This bill aims to expand Medicare coverage to include acupuncture services for seniors by amending the Social Security Act. Specifically, the bill defines "qualified acupuncturist services" as services provided by licensed acupuncturists or physicians legally authorized to perform acupuncture, and adds these services to the list of Medicare-covered treatments. To be considered a qualified acupuncturist, an individual must either be licensed by a state or meet certification criteria established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services if their state does not have specific licensure requirements. The bill establishes payment rules for these services, including payment under the physician fee schedule, separate payment for institutional providers, and treatment of qualified acupuncturists as healthcare practitioners. Qualified acupuncturist services would be covered for Medicare beneficiaries starting 270 days after the bill's enactment, which would provide seniors with additional treatment options and potentially improve access to alternative medical care for conditions that may benefit from acupuncture.