H.R. 3021 · 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, Apr 24, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryPrevents Medicare from blocking outpatient hospital services
Ever wondered why some medical procedures have to be done in a hospital overnight when they might be done during a same-day visit instead? This bill stops Medicare from automatically refusing to cover a service just because Medicare thinks it can only be done as an inpatient stay. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would have to consider each service on its own merits rather than using a blanket rule.
How it affects you
If you're on Medicare and need a hospital procedure, this could give you more options. Instead of automatically being admitted overnight, some services might be available as outpatient care, letting you go home the same day. This applies directly to Medicare patients who might benefit from faster, more convenient treatment options.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 24, 2025)
Empowering Patient Choice of Medical Care Act
This bill prohibits the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from refusing to designate a service as a covered hospital outpatient service under Medicare based solely on its determination that the service can only be furnished in an inpatient setting.
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. 3021
A BILL
Empowering Patient Choice of Medical Care Act
Sponsor: Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN-5) · Introduced Apr 24, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 24, 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.”