This bill removes cost-sharing barriers for Medicare beneficiaries seeking advance care planning services, which are counseling sessions where patients discuss their health care preferences, future medical decisions, and advance directives with eligible healthcare providers. Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare will cover these services at no cost to beneficiaries by waiving the standard deductible and coinsurance that normally apply under Part B coverage. The bill authorizes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical social workers to provide these services, provided they meet specified training or experience requirements. The Department of Health and Human Services must conduct an outreach and education campaign to inform healthcare providers about this coverage expansion, and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must complete a study by June 30, 2026, examining how these services are being provided and billed under the Medicare program, with recommendations for any needed legislative changes.
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