H.R. 5571: Expanding Seniors’ Access to PFAS Testing Act

This bill, known as the **Expanding Seniors’ Access to PFAS Testing Act**, aims to amend the Social Security Act to provide no-cost coverage for a specific type of medical testing under the Medicare program. Here are the main points of what the bill entails:

No-Cost Coverage for PFAS Testing

The bill proposes the following key changes to Medicare provisions related to **PFAS testing**:

• The term **PFAS testing** will be defined as a blood test ordered by a physician to measure the levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the body.
• Beginning January 1, 2028, Medicare will cover the costs of PFAS testing without any cost-sharing required from the patient. This means seniors wouldn’t have to pay a deductible or co-payment for this test.
• The federal government will pay for 100% of the costs associated with this testing, specifically either the actual charges for the test or an amount set by the established fee schedule for screening and preventive services.

Implementation Details

To implement these changes, the following adjustments will be made in the Social Security Act:

• Amendments will be made to the definitions and sections that currently cover preventive services and their associated costs.
• The bill includes specific provisions to ensure that these changes take effect starting in the year 2028.

Broader Context

The motivation behind the bill is to enhance access to PFAS testing for seniors, recognizing potential health risks associated with exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Providing this testing at no cost could support early detection and management of health issues related to these chemicals.

Relevant Companies

• None found