Portable Ultrasound Equity Act: Medicare Adds Coverage for At-Home Scan Transport and Setup Starting 2027

This bill, the Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025, amends the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage. Specifically, it directs Medicare to start paying for the transportation and setup costs associated with portable ultrasound services, beginning January 1, 2027. The core idea is to treat these services similarly to how portable X-ray services are already handled under Medicare.

Bringing the Scan to You

Currently, getting an ultrasound often means a trip to a clinic or hospital. This legislation changes that by having Medicare cover the logistics of bringing the ultrasound equipment to the patient. Section 2 of the bill mandates that payment for these transportation and setup services mirrors the existing structure for portable X-rays. Think of someone living in a rural area or a resident in a nursing home – this change could mean getting a necessary diagnostic scan without the difficulty and expense of travel. To ensure quality and safety, the bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for the suppliers providing these portable ultrasound services, much like the standards already in place for portable X-rays.

Real-World Rollout: Access and Oversight

Starting in 2027, Medicare beneficiaries who need ultrasounds but face mobility challenges or live far from imaging centers stand to benefit significantly. Easier access could lead to quicker diagnoses and potentially better health outcomes. For providers, this creates a clear payment pathway for offering mobile ultrasound services under Medicare. However, the effectiveness hinges on the standards set by the Secretary. Clear guidelines will be important to ensure qualified providers are delivering the services and to minimize potential issues like improper billing for the newly covered transportation and setup components.