On April 20, 2021, Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) reintroduced a bill (H.R. 2654) to modernize Medicare’s Chiropractic coverage. H.R. 2654 is the exact same bill that was previously introduced in 2019 (H.R. 3654), which ultimately died at the end of last session after having support from over 90 co-sponsors.
The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act (H.R. 2654) would allow Medicare beneficiaries access to the chiropractic profession’s broad-based, non-drug approach to pain management, which includes manual manipulation of the spine and extremities, evaluation and management services, diagnostic imaging and utilization of other non-drug approaches that have become an important strategy in national efforts to stem the epidemic of prescription opioid overuse and abuse.
The KAC Board of Directors has previously voted to support the Medicare Modernization Act (H.R. 3654) and is currently reviewing the new bill – H.R. 2654. Currently, there are 60 co-sponsors, including 3 of the 6 representatives for the state of Kentucky! Representatives James Comer (R-1), John Yarmuth (D-2) and Thomas Massie (R-4) have already signed on in support of H.R. 2654!
What does H.R. 2654 do?
- Provides patient access to all Medicare-covered benefits allowable under a chiropractor’s state licensure.
- Reimburses chiropractors for services provided in their office that are within their state’s scope of practice
- Requires that DCs complete a documentation webinar.
- Appropriately defines a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) as a “physician” in the Medicare program.
- Is bipartisan legislation, introduced by 16 cosponsors from both political parties.
What can you do to help?
Contact your member of congress and ask them to co-sponsor of H.R 2654! Remember, KY Districts 1 (Comer), 3 (Yarmuth) & 4 (Massie) have already signed on as co-sponsors!
Do you know who your member of congress is? Check it out here!
You can also contact congress directly online here with this simple and easy to use form!