SAFE Act

# SAFE Act Summary The SAFE Act (Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act) would expand Medicare coverage to include fall prevention services for older adults. Specifically, the bill would require Medicare to incorporate fall risk assessments and prevention services into the annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical exams that seniors already receive.

The bill also expands coverage to include services provided by physical therapists and occupational therapists focused on preventing falls—a major health concern for elderly Americans that can lead to serious injuries, hospitalizations, and loss of independence. The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (seniors age 65+) and aims to address falls, which are the leading cause of both unintentional injury deaths and nonfatal trauma among older adults. By integrating fall prevention into existing Medicare wellness visits rather than creating new appointments, the bill attempts to make preventive care more accessible without significantly increasing administrative burden. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.