Beaverton Acupuncturists Could be Medicare Providers
On July 29, 2021, U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 4803, the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act. H.R. 4803 would instruct the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to recognize qualified acupuncturists as Medicare providers. Medicare recognition would align Medicare policy with acupuncturists’ independent service-delivery model by enabling eligible acupuncturists to provide covered services to Medicare beneficiaries without supervision. This alignment would also authorize acupuncturists to directly bill Medicare for services they provide.
CMS has the authority to recognize specific services, but must receive instruction from Congress to recognize a provider group. Obtaining Medicare provider status requires legislation to amend the Social Security Act, which authorizes the Medicare program. H.R. 4803 is the first step to achieving this recognition and advancing the profession.
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If you would like to know how acupuncture can help Seniors, contact our Beaverton area office.