Patient Navigation Assistance Act

HR 9285, the Patient Navigation Assistance Act, requires states to cover patient navigator services under Medicaid. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and patient navigators - individuals with specific education (like nursing or social work degrees) and certification who help people access healthcare. The bill mandates that states reimburse eligible organizations for these services when provided to Medicaid-eligible individuals, defining "patient navigator services" as assistance with referrals, care coordination, and connecting people to medical or social resources. These services are treated as covered medical assistance under Medicaid funding rules, with states having up to two years to adjust their plans. The law applies to services provided after the first full calendar year following its enactment.