Bill > S2830

This bill seeks to improve the Medicare annual wellness visit by expanding its scope and effectiveness, with changes taking effect on January 1, 2026. The bill adds several new elements to the wellness visit, including screening for social determinants of health such as food and housing security, transportation access, social support, and fall risk assessment. It introduces a 10% incentive payment for healthcare providers who include multiple comprehensive elements during the visit. The bill also expands provider eligibility to include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pharmacists, and allows annual wellness visits to be conducted via telehealth. Additionally, the bill mandates a national outreach campaign to educate Medicare beneficiaries about the enhanced wellness visit, with a focus on low-income, rural, and underserved populations. The legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct research, including a report analyzing the current use of annual wellness visits, interviews with healthcare stakeholders, and a focus group study to identify ways to increase participation and effectiveness. These changes aim to provide more holistic, preventative healthcare for seniors by addressing not just medical needs, but also broader factors that influence health and well-being.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2830/all-info