Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026

This bill, the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026, allows Medicare to pay for services provided by radiologist assistants under the supervision of a radiologist. It defines radiologist assistants as certified professionals who work strictly under a radiologist's direction and clarifies that they cannot independently interpret imaging results. The legislation authorizes Medicare to reimburse these assistants for services performed in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and other specified settings, with the payment directed to the supervising radiologist. These changes take effect on January 1, 2027, aiming to expand access to diagnostic imaging while maintaining existing safety standards.