Medicare Update

Here is an update on the Medicare Bill that will extend the physical therapy cap exception process and stop the 10.6% payment cuts. It is urgent that you contact your senators and voice your support of HR 6331 before July 7th!!

 June 27 Update:

The US House of Representatives passedHR 6331 - Medicare Improvements for Patient and Providers Act (MIPPA) but the US Senate failed to pass the bill before adjourning for recess. HR 6331 contains key provisions critical for physical therapists and our patients including provisions to avoid the 10.6% reduction in payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule and extension of the therapy cap exceptions process starting on July 1, 2008.

Congress will reconvene on Monday, July 7, and is expected to begin negotiations on a Medicare package that can achieve the needed votes in the US House, the US Senate, and be signed by the President. Continued advocacy to voice your support for quick action on Medicare legislation in July is essential.

Stay Active! It is imperative that Congress act on legislation to address the fee schedule cuts and the therapy caps immediately. Contact your Senator today with the following message:

HR 6331 will ensure patient access to necessary physical therapy services by the extension of the therapy cap exceptions process

HR 6331 will prevent a 10.6% payment cuts to physical therapists under the Medicare physician fee schedule that will limit patient access and the viability of health care professionals.

HR 6331 will ensure payment equity for rural America

HR 6331 will delay problematic competitive bidding for durable medical equipment (DME)

To reach your Senators, contact the Capitol switchboard at 202/224-3121. Ask the operator to direct you to your Senators.

The local numbers to our Oregon Senators are below:

Gordon Smith: 503-326-3386
Ron Wyden: 503-326-7525

For those of you in Washington your senators are:

Maria Cantwell: (202) 224-3441
Patty Murray: (202) 224-2621

Thank you for supporting Physical Therapy!!

Your Goodell Physical Therapy & Fitness Training Staff

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