ABOUT THE RA LEGISLATION

On June 1, 2021, Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA), H.R. 3657, in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill proposes changes to allow a radiologist assistant's (RA) supervising radiologist to be paid for all RA-performed procedures allowed under state law. 

On August 5, 2021, Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced a companion bill, S. 2641, in the U.S. Senate. 

WHY IS THIS BILL IMPORTANT?

RAs are newly recognized under Medicare to perform imaging services under direct supervision of a radiologist, but the radiology practices that employ RAs are unable to bill Medicare for all services for which the RA is educated, competent, and allowed to provide under state law. MARCA will amend the Medicare statute to enable radiology practices and Medicare to become more efficient while enabling Medicare beneficiaries to receive the same timely and high quality care as patients who don’t use Medicare. 

HOW ARRT IS INVOLVED

Since early 2009, ARRT has taken a lead role in working to change the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) reimbursement requirements to make RAs more viable in the marketplace. We continue to work with lobbyists and a coalition of organizations to allow an RA's supervising radiologist to be paid for all RA-performed procedures allowed under state law. 

If you have questions about the bills or would like to learn more about our lobbying efforts, contact our Government Affairs Department.