Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026

The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026 allows Medicare to pay for services provided by radiologist assistants, who are certified professionals working under the direct supervision of a radiologist. This legislation defines these services as those legally permitted by state law and ensures that payment goes to the supervising radiologist rather than the assistant. The bill applies to services rendered in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and other specified facility settings starting on January 1, 2027. By adding radiologist assistant services to the list of covered benefits, the act aims to expand access to diagnostic imaging while maintaining the existing requirement that assistants operate within a radiologist-led team.