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Congress·In Committee·5 months ago

Congress Moves to Add Physical Therapists to Loan Repayment Program and Expand Medicare Clinic Therapy Coverage

Also known as: Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(2)
Student Loans
Helps
Medicare
Helps

Key Points

  • Lets physical therapists qualify for a federal loan repayment program if they work in areas that don’t have enough health care providers.
  • Tells the Health Department to identify “shortage areas” specifically for physical therapy, and place physical therapists there through the program.
  • Adds funding for the loan repayment program and sets aside at least $15 million for physical therapists’ loan repayments.
  • Expands what Medicare-approved services rural health clinics and community health centers can provide so they can include physical therapy.
  • The Medicare clinic coverage change would start for services given on or after January 1, 2027, which could make it easier to get therapy closer to home in rural areas.
HealthcareMedicare MedicaidLabor Employment

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Sep 30, 2025House

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.

Sep 30, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After enactment, once program guidance is updated and a new NHSC cycle runs

The Health Department identifies “physical therapy target areas” and begins placing NHSC physical therapists there.

More PTs may be recruited into underserved communities, which can shorten wait times for rehab and pain care.

After enactment, tied to the next NHSC application/award cycle

NHSC loan repayment awards become available to eligible physical therapists.

Some PTs with student loans can get federal help paying down debt if they commit to serve in high-need areas.

Related News

2 articles
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)·about 2 months ago

Position Paper: Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access

APTA’s updated position paper backing H.R. 5621, focusing on adding PTs to NHSC loan repayment and expanding access to PT in community health centers.

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American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)·5 months ago

Physical Therapist Workforce Legislation Introduced in the U.S. House

Coverage of H.R. 5621’s introduction, including PT eligibility for NHSC loan repayment and expanded PT role in community health centers/rural care.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 5621
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred 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.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.