Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 117.djvu/2351

 117 STAT. 2332

PUBLIC LAW 108–173—DEC. 8, 2003

the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a)(1) together with such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Comptroller General determines to be appropriate. 42 USC 1395x note.

SEC. 651. DEMONSTRATION OF COVERAGE OF CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES UNDER MEDICARE.

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (1) CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES.—The term ‘‘chiropractic services’’ has the meaning given that term by the Secretary for purposes of the demonstration projects, but shall include, at a minimum— (A) care for neuromusculoskeletal conditions typical among eligible beneficiaries; and (B) diagnostic and other services that a chiropractor is legally authorized to perform by the State or jurisdiction in which such treatment is provided. (2) DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.—The term ‘‘demonstration project’’ means a demonstration project established by the Secretary under subsection (b)(1). (3) ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARY.—The term ‘‘eligible beneficiary’’ means an individual who is enrolled under part B of the medicare program. (4) MEDICARE PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘medicare program’’ means the health benefits program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.). (b) DEMONSTRATION OF COVERAGE OF CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES UNDER MEDICARE.— (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish demonstration projects in accordance with the provisions of this section for the purpose of evaluating the feasibility and advisability of covering chiropractic services under the medicare program (in addition to the coverage provided for services consisting of treatment by means of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation described in section 1861(r)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)(5))). (2) NO PHYSICIAN APPROVAL REQUIRED.—In establishing the demonstration projects, the Secretary shall ensure that an eligible beneficiary who participates in a demonstration project, including an eligible beneficiary who is enrolled for coverage under a Medicare+Choice plan (or, on and after January 1, 2006, under a Medicare Advantage plan), is not required to receive approval from a physician or other health care provider in order to receive a chiropractic service under a demonstration project. (3) CONSULTATION.—In establishing the demonstration projects, the Secretary shall consult with chiropractors, organizations representing chiropractors, eligible beneficiaries, and organizations representing eligible beneficiaries. (4) PARTICIPATION.—Any eligible beneficiary may participate in the demonstration projects on a voluntary basis. (c) CONDUCT OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.— (1) DEMONSTRATION SITES.— (A) SELECTION OF DEMONSTRATION SITES.—The Secretary shall conduct demonstration projects at 4 demonstration sites.

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