Senate Takes Action And Passes Medicare Bill

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Article Date: 11 Jul 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Statement by APTA President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD

"We are thrilled that the Senate took action yesterday and passed HR 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. Senators obviously heard from beneficiaries and providers in their states and recognized the need to take this action to protect Medicare beneficiaries who need rehabilitation services the most - seniors and persons with disabilities.

"This legislation, which includes provisions essential for Medicare beneficiaries to maintain access to needed physical therapy services, now awaits the President's signature. The American Physical Therapy Association urges President Bush to take immediate action and sign this critical bill into law to protect the quality of life and well-being of millions of Americans.

"Provisions in HR 6331 are critical to avoiding the unsustainable cuts in Medicare payments to physical therapists and to restoring the therapy cap exceptions process that assures that beneficiaries who qualify for the exception will continue to get the crucial therapy care they need. Other key provisions will delay competitive bidding for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies and restore important payment protections for rural providers."

http://www.apta.org