H.R. 2120 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Mar 14, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryMedicare creates new payment plan for radiation therapy
Medicare would set up a special payment program for radiation oncology providers and suppliers that treat cancer patients. Instead of the usual way of billing for each service, providers would get paid for full episodes of care—meaning from the day radiation planning starts through the next 30 to 90 days, depending on the cancer type. Providers would have to join this program, though some could qualify for exemptions.
How it affects you
If you receive radiation therapy for cancer through Medicare, your care would be delivered under this new payment structure, though the day-to-day experience of your treatment wouldn't necessarily change. Radiation therapy centers, hospital departments, and physician practices that treat Medicare patients would need to participate and adjust how they bill for services. The government would also study whether certain areas lack enough radiation therapy resources.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 14, 2025)
Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Program Act of 2025 or the ROCR Value Based Program Act
This bill establishes a specialized payment program under Medicare for providers and suppliers of radiation oncology services.
Specifically, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must establish a program under which radiation therapy providers (i.e., hospital outpatient departments) and suppliers (i.e., physician group practices and freestanding radiation therapy centers) receive payments for each episode of care provided to individuals with specified types of cancer. An episode of care means the period beginning on the day radiation therapy planning is furnished to the individual and ending (1) for individuals with bone or brain metastases, 30 days later; and (2) for individuals with other cancer types, 90 days later.
Participation in the program is mandatory for providers and suppliers that participate in Medicare, unless the provider or supplier is part of a state-based Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation model or qualifies for a significant hardship exemption. The CMS must set payment rates for the program based on national payment rates with specified adjustments (e.g., geographic adjustments). Providers and suppliers who provide certain transportation services for individuals under their care may receive an additional payment. Providers and suppliers must be accredited in accordance with certain standards, subject to payment reductions.
The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) implementation of the program, and (2) underserved areas that are in need of more or newer radiation therapy resources.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2120
A BILL
ROCR Value Based Program Act
Sponsor: Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) · Introduced Mar 14, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 14, 2025: “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”
Sections
Sections · 5
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2FindingsNo change
- Sec. 3Radiation oncology case rate value based payment programNo change
- Sec. 4Revision to civil monetary penalties regarding radiation oncology case rate patient transportation servicesNo change
- Sec. 5Exemption of Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Payment Program from budget neutrality adjustment requirementsNo change