Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1667
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-27: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-22T08:08:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025" (H.R. 1667) aims to expand Medicare coverage to include services provided by licensed acupuncturists. This would allow Medicare beneficiaries, primarily seniors, to access acupuncture as a recognized medical treatment under the program's outpatient benefits, potentially improving access to complementary health care options.
Key Provisions
- Definition of Covered Services: Introduces "qualified acupuncturist services" as treatments and related supplies provided by a "qualified acupuncturist." This includes individuals licensed by a state to practice acupuncture or, in states without licensure, those certified by a nationally recognized authority (as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services). Physicians legally authorized to perform acupuncture under state law also qualify.
- Medicare Coverage: Adds these services to Medicare Part B (outpatient services) under Section 1861 of the Social Security Act, making them reimbursable when legally allowed under state law.
- Payment and Billing Rules:
- Services are paid under the existing Medicare physician fee schedule.
- Allows separate billing and payment for acupuncture services, even when provided in institutional settings like hospitals, treating acupuncturists similarly to other non-physician practitioners (e.g., psychologists).
- Ensures acupuncturists can bill Medicare directly, without needing physician supervision in certain cases.
- Effective Date: Coverage begins 270 days (about 9 months) after the bill's enactment, giving time for implementation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expansion of Medicare Benefits: Prior to this, Medicare's coverage for acupuncture was limited (e.g., since 2020, it has covered acupuncture only for chronic low back pain when provided by qualified practitioners). This bill broadens coverage to general acupuncturist services, not tied to specific conditions, and explicitly recognizes state-licensed acupuncturists as providers.
- Provider Recognition: Amends the Social Security Act to classify qualified acupuncturists as reimbursable practitioners, similar to other allied health professionals, allowing independent billing. This removes barriers for non-physician acupuncturists who previously could not bill Medicare directly for most services.
- Payment Adjustments: Modifies payment formulas to include acupuncture under the physician fee schedule and permits separate payments in hospital settings, which were previously bundled into facility fees.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens (Medicare Beneficiaries): Seniors and disabled individuals on Medicare could gain easier access to acupuncture for pain management, wellness, or other uses, potentially reducing reliance on medications or other treatments. However, it may increase out-of-pocket costs if copays apply (typically 20% under Part B).
- On Government Agencies: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would need to update regulations, certify providers, and process new claims, leading to administrative workload. This could raise Medicare spending, estimated in billions over time due to broader utilization of alternative therapies.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may indirectly promote U.S. adoption of traditional practices like acupuncture, which originate from other cultures (e.g., Chinese medicine).
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicare Beneficiaries: Primarily adults aged 65 and older, or younger individuals with disabilities, who may seek acupuncture for conditions like pain or stress.
- Acupuncturists and Health Providers: Licensed acupuncturists gain reimbursement eligibility, expanding their patient base; physicians performing acupuncture benefit from clarified roles.
- Government and Payers: CMS and the Department of Health and Human Services handle implementation; taxpayers fund increased Medicare costs.
- Health Care Facilities: Hospitals and clinics could see more integrated services, with separate billing for acupuncture reducing bundled payment complexities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Relies on state licensure laws for provider qualification, potentially leading to variations in coverage across states. The Secretary of Health and Human Services has flexibility in setting certification standards, which could invite future rulemaking or challenges if deemed inconsistent.
- Constitutional Implications: None significant; the bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and social welfare programs like Medicare, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political Implications: Highlights debates on integrating complementary and alternative medicine into public health insurance, balancing evidence-based care with patient choice. It may face opposition over costs or efficacy concerns but support from advocates for senior wellness and non-drug therapies. As a bipartisan bill (introduced by Reps. Chu and Fitzpatrick), it could advance in committees focused on health and finance.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (24)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-27: 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.
- 2025-02-27: 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.
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (5 pages)