Bill would let doctors and Medicare patients sign private pay contracts

What does this do?

This bill would let doctors and Medicare patients sign private contracts setting whatever price they agree on for a service, while the patient could still claim Medicare reimbursement at normal rates. Contracts must be written, signed in advance, and can't be made during emergencies. Doctors would keep their Medicare participation status despite these arrangements, and the bill overrides state laws capping such charges.

Who does it affect?

Medicare beneficiaries (mostly people 65+ and some with disabilities) and the doctors and licensed professionals who treat them. Dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid recipients could not use these contracts.

Why does it matter?

Providers could charge more than Medicare's standard rates for covered services, potentially increasing patients' out-of-pocket costs, while state price-cap protections would no longer apply.

Where does it stand?