New 'ARC Act' Aims to Slash Amputations from Peripheral Artery Disease, Starting 2026

The Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act of 2025, or ARC Act, is taking direct aim at preventable amputations caused by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). This bill focuses on boosting awareness, making screening more accessible, and pushing for better prevention, especially for folks on Medicare and Medicaid. The core idea? Catching PAD early can save limbs and lives.

Catching PAD Early: What the ARC Act Changes

The ARC Act makes some significant changes, mainly around who gets screened for PAD and how much it costs. Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare will fully cover PAD screening tests for people considered 'at-risk' – meaning no co-pays or deductibles. (SEC. 3) 'At-risk' includes anyone 65 or older, those 50-64 with risk factors like family history, and people under 50 with diabetes and another risk factor. (SEC. 3) Medicaid gets a similar update, covering the same types of screenings for at-risk beneficiaries without cost-sharing. (SEC. 4) The bill defines PAD screening tests as non-invasive checks of leg arteries, including duplex scans, and gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) some leeway to add other tests. (SEC. 3, SEC. 4)

For example, imagine a 67-year-old on Medicare with a family history of heart disease. Under this law, they could get a painless ultrasound scan of their leg arteries, fully covered by Medicare. If PAD is detected, they can start treatment early, potentially avoiding serious complications down the line. Or consider a 52 year old, type 2 diabetic, Medicaid recipient. This bill will now cover their PAD screening with no out of pocket cost.

Beyond Screening: Education and Prevention

It's not just about screening, though. The ARC Act also sets up a PAD education program run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (SEC. 2) This program will get $6 million a year from 2026 to 2030 to teach both doctors and the public about PAD and how to prevent amputations, with a special focus on groups at higher risk. (SEC. 2) Think targeted information campaigns and resources for healthcare providers on best practices. The bill is also pushing for new quality measures specifically for non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations. (SEC. 5) The goal is to make sure doctors are using the right diagnostic tools to explore alternatives to amputation whenever possible. These quality measures will be tested and rolled out within 18 months of the Act becoming law, and they'll be tied to Medicare payment programs. (SEC. 5)

Finally, the ARC Act wants hospitals and surgical centers to get serious about amputation prevention. It directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a pilot program focused on preventing these amputations, with a model available in 18 months. (SEC. 6). This means better risk management for patients, earlier screening and detection, and improved care coordination for people at high risk. (SEC. 6)

Real-World Rollout: Potential and Pitfalls

While the ARC Act has the potential to significantly reduce amputations and improve lives, there are a few practical points to consider. The bill defines 'at-risk' clearly, but making sure the right people get screened – and not too often – will be key. The Secretary of HHS has to set standards for how frequently these tests are covered, and that will be crucial to avoid over-testing. (SEC. 3, SEC. 4) Also, while the education program is a big plus, its success will depend on how effectively it reaches the communities most affected by PAD. Overall though, the ARC Act represents a serious step toward tackling a major, and often overlooked, health problem.