The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) welcomed the introduction of the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation was previously introduced in the Senate in May 2026 and would update Medicare reimbursement policies related to Registered Radiologist Assistants (R.R.A.s).
MARCA will remove federal barriers and enable radiologists to fully utilize the radiologist assistant as part of the radiologist-led team to provide safe, high-quality medical imaging care.
“ARRT thanks U.S. Representatives John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA-13), and Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) for introducing H.R.9984, the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026. With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, this legislation represents significant momentum toward ensuring Medicare reimbursement policies fully recognize the value of Registered Radiologist Assistants (R.R.A.s),” said ARRT Board of Trustees President Jeff Killion, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(QM)(ARRT).
“MARCA will help radiology teams deliver safe, high-quality imaging care more efficiently and improve patient access to needed services across the country. We look forward to working with lawmakers and our advocacy partners to advance this important legislation.”
As MARCA proceeds through the legislative process, ARRT is committed to working with the champions of this legislation to explore opportunities to address reimbursement limitations for certain radiologist assistant services when performed in physicians’ offices.
To learn more and follow the progress, sign up to follow both H.R.9984 and S.4624 on Congress.gov.
Sign up now to join ARRT advocacy efforts! 
ARRT Applauds Introduction of Groundbreaking RA Legislation to Congress
Published May 22, 2026
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) welcomes the introduction of the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA) as an important step toward expanding patient access to imaging services. For more than a decade, ARRT has led efforts to advocate for Medicare reimbursement policies that fully recognize the value of Registered Radiologist Assistants (R.R.A.s).
“We applaud U.S. Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) for introducing S.4624, the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026. MARCA will remove federal barriers and enable radiologists to fully utilize the radiologist assistant as part of the radiologist-led team to provide safe, high-quality medical imaging care,” said ARRT CEO Liana Watson, DM, R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS)(ARRT), RDMS, RVT, FASRT, PMP, CAE, ICE-CCP.
“This monumental legislation will ensure that all services provided by a radiologist assistant, supervised by a radiologist as part of a radiologist-led team, receive Medicare reimbursement, regardless of the setting in which the radiology service is provided. This will improve access to high-quality imaging care across the United States.”
ARRT is collaborating with many organizations such as the American College of Radiology, American Society of Radiologic Technologists, and Society of Radiology Physician Extenders to pass this legislation.
To learn more, read the full press release below.
Sign up now to join ARRT advocacy efforts!
Boozman, Luján Champion Greater Access to Radiology Services
Senators Seek Medicare Reimbursement Eligibility for Hospital Radiologist Assistant-Performed Medical Imaging
May 21, 2026
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced legislation to improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to medical imaging services and address the provider shortage that exists nationwide, particularly in rural America. The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA) would allow radiologists to submit claims to Medicare for non-diagnostic services performed by radiologist assistants (RAs) they directly supervise in both the hospital and office setting.
While RAs are recognized under Medicare to perform services under direct supervision, the radiology practices that employ them are unable to submit claims to Medicare for RA-performed services in hospitals, where they most frequently work.
“Medicare patients need timely access to medical imaging, but current guidelines continue to limit providers’ ability to utilize this important diagnostic tool. We can remedy that by ensuring radiologist assistants, who are well qualified to assist on diagnostic and therapeutic radiology procedures, have the same opportunity whether in a hospital or doctor’s office. Updating the regulations to allow reimbursement in either setting is a commonsense solution that I am pleased has bipartisan support,” Boozman said.
"Too many Medicare patients, especially in rural communities across New Mexico, are struggling to access timely care because of health care workforce shortages and unnecessary barriers,” said Luján. “Qualified RAs are already playing an important role in delivering care, and Medicare policy should reflect that. This legislation will help expand access to quality care, reduce strain on providers, and ensure more seniors get the care they need closer to home.”
In 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services adjusted RA supervision requirements, which allowed providers to be reimbursed by Medicare for services performed by RAs in the office setting. However, the adjustment did not include reimbursement by Medicare for RA services performed in the hospital setting, creating a disparity that negatively impacts the radiology care available in hospitals. The bipartisan MARCA bill addresses that gap to restore access for patients in either setting and removes disincentives that jeopardize the ability of radiologists to meet demand for diagnosis and treatment.
Supporters of the legislation include the Arkansas Society of Radiologic Technologists, Arkansas Radiological Society, American College of Radiology, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Society of Radiology Physician Extenders, Association for Medical Imaging Management and RAYUS Radiology.
Click here to view bill text.