Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026
Congress Targets Medicare Part B Coverage for Genetic Counselor Visits Starting in 2027
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Medicare Part B would cover genetic counseling services when provided by qualified genetic counselors.
- Genetic counselors would qualify if they are licensed in their state, or certified if their state does not license them.
- Medicare would generally pay 80% of the allowed amount for these visits, similar to many other Part B services.
- The bill also adds genetic counselors to Medicare’s balance-billing limits, helping protect patients from extra charges.
- Doctors and other providers could still bill Medicare for genetic counseling when it’s already covered under current rules.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S116-117)
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
Wyoming Senator leads effort to expand Medicare genetic counseling coverage
Local coverage of the newly introduced Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, focusing on Medicare coverage and rural access (Wyoming).
Welch leads effort to expand access to genetic counselor services
Reports on the reintroduction of the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act and its goal of expanding Medicare coverage for genetic counseling.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(3)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.