Preventing Falls and Addiction in Seniors: New Medicare Services
This act aims to improve healthcare for the elderly by introducing new services under the Medicare program. Starting in 2025, individuals who have experienced a fall will be able to receive fall risk assessments and fall prevention services during their annual wellness visits, also provided by physical and occupational therapists. This is intended to reduce the number of falls, related injuries, and dependence on pain medication.
Key points
Effective January 1, 2025, Medicare will cover fall risk assessments and fall prevention services for seniors who have fallen in the previous year.
Physical therapists and occupational therapists will be able to provide these services during annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical examinations.
Annually, starting in 2026, the government will report to Congress on falls experienced by seniors who received treatment for fall-related pain or injuries.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_7618
Sponsor: Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]
Process start date: 2024-03-11