APTA Private Practice Legislation Allowing Physical Therapists to Opt Out of Medicare Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

APTA Private Practice applauds the introduction of the Medicare Patient Choice Act (H.R. 4204). We especially want to thank Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) and Rep. Don Davis (D-NC-01) for working with us to introduce this very important piece of legislation and for their dedication to the physical therapy profession.  

This bill will allow physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech-language pathologists (SLPs), audiologists, and chiropractors to be added to the list of about a dozen other physicians and health care practitioners already allowed to formally opt out of Medicare and privately contract with Medicare beneficiaries.  

Under current law, PTs who wish to care for Medicare beneficiaries must enroll as a provider or non-participating provider under Medicare. They are prohibited by law to formally opt out of Medicare and privately contract with Medicare beneficiaries creating a barrier for Medicare patients seeking care from the PT or provider of their choice.

“At the heart of this legislation is a simple but powerful principle, patients’ freedom to choose who provides their care. Seniors shouldn’t lose access to the therapist they trust just because they’ve enrolled in Medicare. This bill ensures that continuity of care and patient preference remain central to our healthcare system” says APTA Private Practice President Mike Horsfield, PT, MBA.  

This is a major step forward for provider autonomy and patient access—and now we need your help. Over the next few weeks and months, we encourage all Section members to reach out to their U.S. House Representative asking them to cosponsor the Medicare Patient Choice Act.  Be on the lookout for additional emails related to grassroots advocacy.  Together, we can advance patient choice and strengthen our profession.