Senators Hassan, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Ensure Access to Portable Ultrasounds for Medicare Beneficiaries

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity (PURE) Act, which would provide coverage of portable ultrasound transportation and set-up services for Medicare beneficiaries:

“Granite State seniors deserve access to the health care that they need, no matter where they live,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation would require Medicare to cover portable ultrasound imaging, just as Medicare already covers portable x-ray services, which will be particularly helpful for seniors living in rural communities who might otherwise need to travel long distances to get an ultrasound.”

“Portable ultrasounds play a critical role in diagnosing potentially life-threatening conditions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By ensuring providers can be reimbursed for the transportation and set up of these exams, our legislation would help seniors in rural areas or living with disabilities receive timelier and more effective care.”

Companion legislation is being led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) and cosponsored by Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Lori Trahan (MA-03).

Background:

Ultrasound is a preferred imaging method for diagnosing various acute and chronic diseases such as a blood clot, heart failure, or abdominal disease. However, Medicare does not reimburse portable diagnostics providers to perform ultrasound exams. The PURE Act would establish a payment in Medicare to portable ultrasound providers for transportation and set-up services, ensuring beneficiaries have access to the most medically appropriate and timely care at a lower cost than traveling to a facility, which will lead to significant savings to Medicare. This legislation would provide much-needed flexibility in care and increase access to this lifesaving technology to help meet the needs of underserved rural areas, seniors, and our most vulnerable.

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