Federal Advocacy Action Center

Home Health Care Planning

This legislation enables PAs and other advanced care providers to order home health care for Medicare patients. The legislation will improve access and promote continuity of care for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly patients living in rural and other medically underserved communities. Additionally, the ability of PAs to conduct the required face-to-face initial home health visit promises greater efficiency and reduced costs for both patients and Medicare.

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ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2019

PAs are recognized in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) as “ACO professionals,” yet their patients cannot be assigned as beneficiaries in that program. This legislation will allow Medicare beneficiaries who receive their primary care from PAs to be assigned to MSSP ACOs without arbitrarily requiring the patient to see a physician. Likewise, PAs should be recognized to lead and participate fully in the design, management, and operation of patient-centered medical homes and ACOs.

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Urge Support Direct Payment for PAs!

Important legislation has been introduced in the 116th Congress that would authorize PAs to receive direct payment under Medicare.  On February 7, 2019, Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced HR 1052, the Physician Assistant Direct Payment Act, and on February 28, Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Tom Carper (D-DE) introduced the Senate companion bill, S. 596.    Please contact your Representative and urge support for passage of S. 596 and HR 1052.


Medicare permits other health professionals (e.g. physicians, advanced practice nurses, physical therapists, psychologists, podiatrists, social workers, and others) that bill the program to receive payment directly under their own name. This legislation will level the playing field so PAs are allowed to compete with other health professionals on the basis of their clinical competence and skillsets without the concern of administrative burdens hindering employment opportunities. Take action today by clicking below to urge your Senators and Representatives to cosponsor S. 596 anf HR 1052, the Physician Assistant Direct Payment Act.  Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of the profession. 

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Allow PAs to Order Home Health

 Your help is needed to build support for legislation to allow PAs to order home health services for Medicare patients.  The Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act, S. 296 / HR 2150, was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) in the Senate, and by Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Earl “Buddy” Carter in the House.  The legislation would amend Medicare to permit PAs (and NPs) to order home health and manage the home health care plan for Medicare beneficiaries. 

We’re asking PAs across the country to tell legislators of the critical importance of allowing PAs to order home health services for their Medicare patients, and to urge support for S. 296/HR 2150. Please act today!

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Diabetic Shoe Legislation

Urge Support Today!


On Jan 28, 2019, The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, S. 237/HR 808, was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and in the House by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY).   The legislation would allow PAs to certify the need for Medicare patients to obtain diabetic/therapeutic shoes.


All PAs are encouraged to take action today, by contacting their legislators to urge them to cosponsor S. 237/HR 808

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Current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations do not allow PAs to order diabetic shoes. With the aging U.S. population and prevalence of diabetes, it is absurd that PAs can manage a patient’s diabetes and other complex chronic conditions, but currently are not permitted by Medicare to order diabetic shoes.


For diabetic Medicare beneficiaries who receive care from a PA, S. 237/HR 808 will provide timely access to needed diabetic shoes.


Take action below by clicking the icon below; encourage your legislators to support this legislation to allow PAs to provide better, full-spectrum care to diabetic patients.


Thank you for your advocacy in action!

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