Medicare would end therapy payment cuts for combined sessions

What does this do?

Right now, Medicare cuts payment by 50 percent for any therapy service given at the same time as another. This bill would end that cut starting January 1, 2027, so Medicare pays the full rate for every therapy service in a single session, no matter how many are provided at once. The change applies to both the standard Medicare physician fee schedule and the outpatient therapy and rehabilitation program.

Who does it affect?

Medicare patients who need more than one type of therapy at the same time — such as stroke survivors or people recovering from serious injuries — would be affected. So would the therapists and outpatient rehabilitation facilities that treat them and currently receive reduced payment for those additional services.

Why does it matter?

Therapists and facilities are currently paid less when they provide more than one therapy in the same session. This bill would change what Medicare pays for those combined sessions.

Where does it stand?