II 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 596 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 28, 2019 Mr. Barrasso (for himself and Mr. Carper ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for direct payment to physician assistants under the Medicare program for certain services furnished by such physician assistants.

1. Direct Medicare payment for services furnished by physician assistants (a) In general Section 1832(a)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395k(a)(2)(B) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause: (v) services of a physician assistant but only if no facility or other provider charges or is paid any amounts with respect to the furnishing of such services; . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to services furnished on or after July 1, 2020.