Empowering Patient Choice of Medical Care Act

HR 3021, the Empowering Patient Choice of Medical Care Act, changes Medicare rules to expand access to outpatient hospital care. Starting January 1, 2026, the Health Secretary cannot block outpatient designation for a service solely because it might only be safe in an inpatient setting. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries who would previously have been required to stay in a hospital for certain procedures now eligible for outpatient care. The bill removes a specific administrative barrier, allowing more flexibility for patients and providers without altering Medicare coverage or payment rates.