To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to recognize the services of respiratory therapists under the plan of care for home health services.

H.R. 964 would expand Medicare coverage to include the services of respiratory therapists for patients receiving home health care. Under this bill, these specialized services would be recognized as part of a patient’s home care plan, similar to how nursing or physical therapy is currently covered. Additionally, the bill requires a federal study to evaluate the impact of making respiratory therapy a permanent, separate benefit under Medicare Parts A and B. For citizens, this change would mean that individuals with chronic respiratory conditions could receive professional respiratory treatment in their own homes rather than having to travel to a hospital or clinic.