American Patients First Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
The American Patients First Act of 2026, H.R. 9972, would amend the Social Security Act to change how Medicare pays for skin substitute products. Specifically, it would establish a payment rate of $457 per square centimeter for these products for a period between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2030. The bill also introduces new definitions for "skin substitute product," including requirements for domestic sourcing and distribution, and allows for waivers in cases of supply shortages.
The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries who receive skin substitute products for wound treatment and the healthcare providers who supply them. It aims to enhance program integrity by introducing prepayment claim reviews and prior authorization requirements for certain providers starting in 2027 and 2028, respectively. The bill also includes provisions for investigating and potentially excluding providers with high denial rates.
H.R. 9972 was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 27, 2026, and was referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. It has not yet advanced beyond this initial stage. If passed by the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
27 Jul 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9972 do?
- The American Patients First Act of 2026, H.R. 9972, would amend the Social Security Act to change how Medicare pays for skin substitute products. Specifically, it would establish a payment rate of $457 per square centimeter for these products for a period between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2030. The bill also introduces new definitions for "skin substitute product," including requirements for domestic sourcing and distribution, and allows for waivers in cases of supply shortages. The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries who receive skin substitute products for wound treatment and the healthcare providers who supply them. It aims to enhance program integrity by introducing prepayment claim reviews and prior authorization requirements for certain providers starting in 2027 and 2028, respectively. The bill also includes provisions for investigating and potentially excluding providers with high denial rates. H.R. 9972 was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 27, 2026, and was referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. It has not yet advanced beyond this initial stage. If passed by the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for consideration.
- Has H.R. 9972 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9972. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9972?
- H.R. 9972 was sponsored by Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17] (R-TX), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9972?
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (27 Jul 2026).
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