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New Federal Requirements for Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment

Date: 07/07/26

In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), strengthening requirements regarding the availability of accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment (MDE). Superior HealthPlan is sharing important information regarding new federal requirements issued by the DOJ and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) related to accessible MDE.

These updates are intended to improve access to care for individuals with disabilities by ensuring that diagnostic equipment meets established accessibility standards. The requirements apply to providers who receive federal funding, including those participating in Superior Medicaid (STAR, STAR Health, STAR Kids, STAR+PLUS), and CHIP, Wellcare By Allwell (Medicare HMO and HMO SNP), Wellcare By Superior HealthPlan (Dual Align) and other HHS-funded programs. MDE includes, but is not limited to, exam tables and chairs, weight scales, and X-ray machines.

Providers and state and local government entities are required to ensure that at least one accessible exam table and one accessible weight scale are available by:

  • July 8, 2026 (for providers)
  • August 9, 2026 (for state and local government entities)

As of 2024, any newly purchased, leased, or rented MDE must meet accessibility standards until providers reach required thresholds, including at least 10% of total MDE for most practices, or 20% for those specializing in mobility-related conditions.

Providers must not deny services to individuals with disabilities due to a lack of accessible equipment, and staff must be trained to operate accessible equipment and assist patients with transfers and proper positioning. Additionally, accessible equipment must be readily available and located in areas that do not delay or limit access to care.

For additional information, please review HHS’s New Requestion for Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment (PDF).

If you have any questions, please contact your Superior Provider Representative. To find their contact information please visit the Find My Provider Representative webpage.