Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create expanded Medicare Part B coverage for genetic counseling services. It defines who counts as a genetic counselor, sets payment and balance-billing rules, and targets services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
Show full summary
- Medicare patients: Could receive covered genetic counseling from state-licensed counselors or, where a state does not license, counselors certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Related supplies furnished incident to counseling would also qualify for Part B coverage.
- Genetic counselors: Would be eligible to bill Medicare if state-licensed or board-certified. Payment would equal 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge or 85 percent of the physician fee schedule amount that would have applied if a physician furnished the service.
- Medicare program and other providers: Adds genetic counselors to Medicare's balance-billing provisions and clarifies that physicians and other eligible providers may still bill for genetic counseling. The Secretary may use an interim final rule to implement the changes quickly.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Medicare coverage for genetic counselors
If enacted, Medicare Part B would cover genetic counseling furnished by a qualified genetic counselor starting January 1, 2027. The counselor must be licensed in the State, or if the State has no license, be certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and meet HHS rules. Coverage would include supplies and services incident to the counselor's work that the counselor is legally allowed to provide. Medicare payment would be 80% of the lesser of the provider's actual charge or 85% of the physician fee-schedule amount that would have applied if a physician furnished the service. Genetic counselors who meet the law's definition would be subject to Medicare's balance-billing protections. The HHS Secretary could use an interim final rule with a comment period to implement these changes.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Barrasso, John [R-WY]
WY • R
Cosponsors
Peter Welch
VT • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Shelley Capito
WV • R
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Amy Klobuchar
MN • D
Sponsored 5/12/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov