H.R. 6280In committeeHealth care
Medicare would pay genetic counselors directly starting in 2027
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 6280 lets Medicare pay genetic counselors directly under Part B at 80% coverage, beginning January 1, 2027.55-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 6280 would recognize genetic counselors as their own provider type under Medicare Part B, allowing Medicare to pay them directly for services starting January 1, 2027. Currently, Medicare only covers genetic counseling when billed through a doctor. The bill also limits how much a genetic counselor can charge a patient beyond what Medicare pays.
Who does it affect?
The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries, mostly people 65 and older and certain people with disabilities, who currently must go through a doctor to have genetic counseling covered. It also affects genetic counselors, who cannot bill Medicare independently under current rules.
Why does it matter?
Genetic counselors help patients understand their risk for inherited conditions such as cancer or heart disease, and removing the requirement to bill through a doctor could change how patients access those services. Doctors and other providers would still be able to bill Medicare for genetic counseling as they do today.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Medicare pays 80% of visit cost
- Patient pays remaining 20%
- Balance billing protections apply
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it.
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.
Make the callSee how a call works
Official title
Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- November 21, 2025
- Latest action:
- November 21, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.