Bill > S2865

This bill aims to improve access to advance care planning services for Medicare beneficiaries by making several key changes to existing Medicare law. Specifically, the bill defines advance care planning services as conversations between eligible healthcare practitioners (including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical social workers) and patients or their representatives about future healthcare preferences, potential healthcare decisions, and advance directives. The bill eliminates cost-sharing for these services starting January 1, 2027, meaning Medicare will cover 100% of the cost of such consultations. Additionally, the bill expands telehealth options for advance care planning by removing geographic restrictions, allowing patients to receive these services remotely. The legislation also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct comprehensive outreach to healthcare providers about these new services and mandates that the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) conduct a detailed study on the implementation and use of advance care planning services, including analyzing provider participation, visit characteristics, and potential barriers to accessing these services. The goal is to encourage more patients to proactively discuss and document their healthcare wishes with medical professionals.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2865/all-info