Follow the latest actions in Congress as they happen, and find out how they affect physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. To receive these updates, as well as Action Alerts, in your inbox, join PTeam today!
- Congressional Inaction on Sequestration: What Physical Therapists Need to Know - 2/25/13
As the March 1 deadline approaches, it is increasingly unlikely that Congress will act to prevent sequestration cuts.
- Legislation to Repeal the Medicare Therapy Cap Introduced in the House and Senate- 2/22/13
Yesterday, the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act (HR 713/S 367) was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Representatives Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Xavier Becerra (D-CA), and in the US Senate by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME). HR 713 and S 367 would permanently repeal the $1,900 therapy "cap" imposed on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services.
- Contact Congress Today! Ask Your Legislators to Delay MPPR Implementation! - 1/28/13
On January 23, the House of Representatives voted for a three month increase of the debt ceiling. Given the short term nature of the legislation no action was taken on larger issues including a fix for the multiple procedure payment reduction (MPPR) policy passed on January 1 as part of the year-end legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff.
- Demand Congress Address the Flawed Therapy MPPR Policy Today! - 1/11/13
On January 1, 2013, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (HR 8), which includes an increase in the multiple procedure payment reduction (MPPR) policy that applies to the practice expense portion of therapy codes.
- APTA Alerts Members to Upcoming Activity on MPPR - 1/3/13
In response to a troublesome provision included in the fiscal cliff package passed by Congress on Tuesday, APTA is advising members to monitor the APTA website, and the Legislative Action Center specifically, for upcoming action alerts regarding efforts to avert the increased multiple procedure payment reduction included in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.
- Congress Passes Bill to Avert Cuts; Extend Cap Exceptions Process - 1/2/13
Yesterday, the House and Senate passed legislation to bring the nation back from the "fiscal cliff" that includes 5 important provisions for physical therapists. The bill has been sent to President Obama for his signature.
- What You Need to Know on January 1, 2013 - 12/21/12
As you may know, Congress has recessed until December 27 without reaching a deal on sequestration, the extension of the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process and the sustainable growth rate payment cuts.
- Don't Let Congress be the Grinch – Take Action Today on the Therapy Cap and Payment Cuts! - 12/17/12
Congress has 15 days to extend the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process.
- Prevent Cuts to EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies - 12/11/12
APTA and more than 120 other organizations concerned about the impact of the 2013 cuts to reimbursement for electrodiagnostic (EDX) procedures sent a coalition letter to Congressional leadership and committees.
- Stop the Therapy Cap! - 12/3/12
Congress has less than 30 days to extend the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process. In order to ensure your voice is heard on Capitol Hill, APTA is working with the Therapy Cap Coalition to promote awareness of the December 31 deadline.
- CMS Issues Clarification Regarding Implementation Date for Home Health Functional Reassessment Requirements for 2013 - 11/26/12
As a follow-up to the issuance of the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Calendar Year (CY) 2013 Final Rule, CMS has updated its website to clarify that the therapy provisions will be effective for episodes beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
- Medicare Functional Limitation Reporting for Therapy Services - 11/15/12
November 15, 2012: Beginning in 2013, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists providing outpatient therapy services must submit information on the claim form regarding their patient's functional limitations.
- Congress Has Less Than 50 Days to Repeal the Cap! Contact Your Legislators TODAY! - 11/13/12
As of yesterday, Congress had 50 days to extend the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process. If Congress does not act by December 31, providers could also experience a 26.5% payment cut under the Medicare physician fee schedule.
- CMS Releases Home Health Prospective Payment System Final Rule for CY 2013 - 11/5/12
On November 2, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the final rule for the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) for Calendar Year (CY) 2013. The rule finalizes a reduction in rates of 1.32 percent for the home health 60-day episode for CY 2013.
- CMS Issues Final 2013 Physician Fee Schedule Rule - 11/2/12
On November 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final 2013 Medicare physician fee schedule rule which sets the therapy cap amount on outpatient therapy services for 2013 at $1900, updates 2013 payment amounts for physicians, physical therapists and other health care professionals, and revises other payment policies.
- MedPAC Issues Recommendations for Improving Therapy Services - 11/1/12
Today, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) issued recommendations for improving outpatient therapy services.
- APTA President's Statement on Medicare 'Improvement Standard' Case - 10/25/12
Yesterday, APTA President Paul A. Rockar Jr, PT, DPT, MS, issued the below statement regarding the lawsuit Glenda Jimmo, et. al vs. Kathleen Sebelius. The lawsuit reviewed Medicare policy regarding coverage for patients who do not show long-term improvement in their conditions. APTA will continue to issue information to members about the correct application of the newly revised Medicare regulations.
- Congress Has 90 Days to Extend the Medicare Therapy Cap Exceptions Process for 2013! - 10/3/12
Only 90 days remain for Congress to take action to extend the therapy cap exceptions process. Congress must also act by December 31 to avoid a scheduled 27% cut in provider payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule.
- Help Shape APTA's Public Policy Priorities for the 113th Congress (2013-2014) - 10/1/1/12
For the past decade, APTA's Board of Directors has sought feedback to provide critical information on the public policy priorities and issues that are important to its members.
- APTA Launches Therapy Cap Resources Website to Assist Providers with Implementation of New Exceptions Process - 9/27/12
On October 1, 2012 significant changes will occur regarding the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process that will impact your practice and your patients.
- APTA Hosts Briefing on the Role of Therapy in Treating TBI - 9/19/12
On Tuesday, in coordination with the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, APTA sponsored a congressional briefing on the role of therapy in treating traumatic brain injuries. Legislators and their staff were invited to hear how physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology are helping wounded warriors and veterans recover, rehabilitate, and reintegrate after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- CDC Announces Pediatric Mild TBI Workgroup and APTA to Cohost TBI Briefing - 9/17/12
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Center for injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), has announced the creation of the Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Guideline Workgroup.
- CMS Issues Transmittals on Manual Medical Review Process - 9/7/12
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released 2 transmittals regarding the manual medical review process for outpatient therapy services that exceed $3,700. The manual medical review process, which approves or denies requests for therapy services in advance, goes into effect October 1.
- CMS Posts List of Providers Assigned to Phases for Manual Medical Review - 8/22/12
CMS posted a list on their website assigning providers to one of three phases for manual medical review when outpatient therapy services exceed $3700.
- APTA Launches Legislative Cosponsor Drive - 8/21/12
APTA is launching its first annual Fall Cosponsor Drive and we need your help! Building upon the success of the Spring Federal Advocacy Forum, APTA wants to reach 200 cosponsors for HR 1546 (Medicare Therapy Cap Repeal) and 150 cosponsors for HR 1426 (Student Loan Repayment) by December 31, 2012.
- CMS Issues Guidance on Manual Medical Review for Therapy Services That Exceed $3,700 - 8/2/12
CMS officials held a call on August 2 with therapy stakeholder groups to describe their plans to implement the manual medical review process for the therapy cap exceptions that exceed $3,700 effective October 1, 2012.
- President Signs Legislation Inclusive of Medicare Payment Cut Reprieve and Therapy Cap Exceptions Process Extension - 2/23/12
On February 22, 2012, President Obama signed a 10 month measure that would prevent a 27.4% payment cut, due to the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) portion of the fee schedule, to Medicare providers scheduled for March 1.
- CMS Revises Interpretative Guidelines for Rehabilitation in Outpatient Hospitals - 2/17/12
In response to concerns raised by APTA and other associations, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) revised interpretative guidelines (Transmittal 72) to eliminate the requirement that rehabilitation services furnished in outpatient hospital settings be ordered by a practitioner with medical staff privileges.
- Congress Passes Measure Avoiding Medicare Payment Cut and Therapy Cap Exceptions Expiration - 2/17/12
Today, the US House of Representatives and the US Senate passed a 10-month measure that will prevent a 27.4% payment cut, due to the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) portion of the fee schedule, to Medicare providers scheduled for March 1. The measure extends the Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI) at the current level, and includes a 10 month extension of the therapy cap exceptions process that will begin to create a path to a reformed therapy payment system.
- Subsidized Federal Student Loan Changes Scheduled for July 1, 2012 - 1/27/12
On August 2, 2011, President Barack Obama signed the Budget Control Act of 2011 (PL 112-25). Included in this legislation was a change to the Stafford Loan Program. Specifically, the Budget Control Act will eliminate Subsidized Stafford loans for graduate students as of July 1, 2012.
- New Medicare Conditions of Participation Rehabilitation Guidelines for Hospital-based Outpatient Settings - 1/24/12
APTA is working diligently to convince the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to rescind and revise new interpretative guidelines (Transmittal 72) that were issued November 18, 2011, for rehabilitation services provided in hospitals.
- APTA 'Joins Forces' to Support Service Members and Families - 1/10/12
Today, APTA attended the launch of a new Joining Forces initiative aimed at increasing the involvement of health care associations and the providers they represent in the identification of traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postcombat depression in military members.
- Language Urges Defense Department to Allow PTs to Use Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship - 1/5/12
On December 31, 2011, President Obama signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 (NDAA), which authorizes all funding for the Department of Defense (DOD). Language included in the conference report for the NDAA strongly urges the DOD to use all means possible to ensure there is no shortage of health care professionals, specifically noting physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs), within the department.
- Legislation Passed Today to Prevent Caps and Cuts for 2 Months - 12/23/11
The House of Representatives passed legislation today to extend the payroll tax break, fee schedule update, rural payment update, therapy cap exception extension and other end of the year provisions.
- Caps and Cuts Uncertain; Implications for 2012 - 12/22/11
As the end of the year approaches, lack of congressional action on legislation to address the 27.4% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut and extension of therapy cap exceptions process signifies a need to be prepared for potential changes in payment for services on January 1, 2012.
- Super Committee Fails: Payment Cuts and Therapy Cap Must be Addressed - 12/20/11
On November 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final physician fee schedule rule for Calendar Year (CY) 2012, which sets the therapy cap on outpatient services (except outpatient hospital departments) at $1,880 beginning January 1, 2012 and updates payment rates for physicians, physical therapists, and other health care professionals for 2012. The therapy cap exceptions process will expire on December 31, 2011, unless Congress acts to extend it.
- CMS Sets Cap at $1,880 in Final Physician Fee Schedule Rule - 12/20/11
On November 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final physician fee schedule rule for Calendar Year (CY) 2012, which sets the therapy cap on outpatient services (except outpatient hospital departments) at $1,880 beginning January 1, 2012 and updates payment rates for physicians, physical therapists, and other health care professionals for 2012. The therapy cap exceptions process will expire on December 31, 2011, unless Congress acts to extend it.
- Medicare Issues Final Rule on Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) - 12/19/11
On October 20, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the highly anticipated final rule for the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).
- Congress, CDC Makes Announcement Regarding Concussion Management - 9/30/11
On Tuesday, September 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced that the CDC will move forward with forming an expert panel to establish national guidelines for pediatric traumatic brain injury and concussion.
- Revised SNF Student Supervision Requirement under Medicare: New Resources Now Available from APTA - 9/19/11
On October 1, 2011, the new Medicare student supervision requirement, created by the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) final rule for Fiscal Year FY2012, will take effect.
- Department of Education Releases Part C IDEA Regulations - 9/7/11
On September 7, the US Department of Education released the long-awaited final regulations for the early intervention program under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a program that serves infants and toddlers through age 2 with developmental delays or conditions that have a high probability of resulting in developmental delays.
- CMS Releases Two Rules Affecting Payment for Physical Therapy in Post-Acute Care Settings - 8/2/11
On July 29, 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Skilled Nursing and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS and IRF PPS) final rules for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012
- Debt Limit Compromise Signed Into Law - 8/2/11
Earlier this afternoon, the United States Senate passed the Budget Control Act of 2011, preventing default on federal obligations by raising our nation's debt ceiling.
- Introduction of HR 2499, the Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost-Saving Act of 2011 - 7/18/11
On July 11, 2011, Representative Larry Kissell (D-NC) and 17 other original cosponsors introduced HR 2499, the Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost-Saving Act of 2011.
- CMS Releases 2012 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule - 7/14/11
On July 1 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the proposed physician fee schedule rule that would update payment rates and other policies under the physician fee schedule for services furnished on or after January 1, 2012.
- CMS Releases Two Rules Affecting Home Health Services - 7/14/11
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released two rules on July 5, 2011, that affect home health services.
- Urge Your Legislators to Cosponsor the Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (S 975) - 5/16/11
On May 15, 2011, senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced legislation that would authorize PTs to participate in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $30,000 in loan forgiveness per year for 2 years of service in an underserved area.
- APTA Solicits Feedback on ACO Proposed Rule - 4/28/11
The March 31 publication of the Medicare proposed Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) regulations and waivers of fraud and abuse provisions for the Shared Savings Program will have a significant impact on the delivery of health care in America for years to come. Specifically, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants will have to adapt to a changing health care environment and assess their roles in integrated models of care.
- 1099 Repeal Signed into Law - 4/20/11
On April 14, 2011, President Obama signed the Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (HR 4) into law.
- APTA Urges Support of the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act - 4/15/11
Yesterday Congressmen Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Xavier Becerra (D-CA) in the House of Representatives and Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced "The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act (HR 1546/S 829)."
- APTA Urges Support of New Student Loan Repayment Legislation - 4/8/11
Recently, Congress has introduced two separate pieces of legislation related to federal student loan repayment for physical therapists practicing in underserved areas.
- CMS Announces System Changes to Correct Inaccurate Payments - 4/8/11
This afternoon, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that system changes were made to address errors in payment amounts under the multiple procedure payment reduction policy (MPPR) that affected providers who submitted claims using UB-04 claim forms or the electronic version (837 institutional claims from rehabilitation agencies, outpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (part B) etc).
- APTA Resources on Accountable Care Organizations Posted - 4/5/11
On March 31, 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the long-awaited proposed rule which would implement a provision of the Affordable Care Act, which mandates coordination of care for Medicare beneficiaries through Accountable Care Organizations (ACO).
- Senate Passes 1099 Repeal - 4/5/11
The Senate voted 87-12 to repeal a much-hated tax provision in the health care law on Tuesday, which required businesses to file 1099 tax forms for purchases over $600.
- Federal Government Releases ACO Regulations - 4/1/11
On March 31, 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the long-awaited proposed rule which would implement a provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandates coordination of care for Medicare beneficiaries through Accountable Care Organizations (ACO).
- Senate Passes Repeal of 1099 Tax Filing Requirement - 2/3/11
Last night, the US Senate passed a measure to repeal the 1099 tax filing requirement, which was created in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
- Medicare Provider Screening and Enrollment Rule Released - 2/1/11
Effective March 25, 2011: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a final rule that implements provisions of the Affordable Care Act and mandates that measures be established to screen providers and suppliers in the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- House Passes Repeal of Health Care Reform Law - 1/20/11
Yesterday, the US House of Representatives passed legislation that would repeal the health care reform law (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – PPACA), which was passed last year.
- CMS Releases Updated Information for 2011 Payments - 1/3/11
During the week of December 27, CMS released corrected payment amounts for 2011 that incorporates the changes included in the ‘‘Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010’’ that was signed into law by president Obama on December 15, 2010. The legislation stopped the 24.9% payment cut from occurring on January 1, 2011. However, CMS announced that the conversion factor used to update payment for next year will be $33.9764 instead of the $36.8729 conversion factor that was in effect in 2010.
- CMS Issues Change Request Regarding MPPR Policy - 12/28/10
Based on policy changes required by the Physician Payment and Therapy Relief Act of 2010, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a Change Request (7050) and MLN Matters Article on December 21 clarifying that the multiple payment procedure payment reduction for therapy services in the therapy office setting (e.g. private practice therapist offices, physician offices) will be 20 percent instead of 25 percent.
- President Obama Signs Legislation on Red Flags Rule - 12/21/10
Late last week, President Obama signed S 3987, the Red Flag Program Act of 2010 into law. This legislation by Senator Thune (R-SD) and Senator Begich (D-AK) will exempt physical therapists and other health care providers from the forthcoming Red Flags Rule requirements on January 1.
- President Signs Legislation to Prevent Payment Reductions and Therapy Cap - 12/16/10
Yesterday, President Obama signed Senate Amendment to HR 4994, the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010.
- Congress Passes Legislation to Prevent Payment Reductions and Therapy Cap - 12/9/10
Today, the US House of Representatives passed Senate Amendment to HR 4994 , the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010 (by a vote of 409-2). This legislation would prevent the scheduled 25.5% Medicare payment cut to physical therapists and other health care providers paid under the physician fee schedule.
- Senate Passes Legislation to Prevent Payment Reductions and Therapy Cap - 12/9/10
Tonight, the US Senate passed the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010, which would prevent the scheduled 25.5% Medicare payment cut to physical therapists and other health care providers paid under the physician fee schedule.
- Congress Passes 1 Month Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Fix - 11/29/10
Today, the US House of Representatives passed Senate Amendment to HR 5712, The Physician Payment and Therapy Relief Act (PPTRA) of 2010 by voice vote. The bill would continue the existing 2.2 percent Medicare payment update that expires November 30, 2010, for an additional month through December 31, 2010, and fully offset the cost. The Senate already passed the legislation by unanimous consent on November 18.
- Senate Passes 1 Month Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Fix - 11/19/10
Last night the US Senate passed The Physician Payment and Therapy Relief Act (PPTRA) of 2010 by unanimous consent. The bill would continue the existing 2.2 percent Medicare payment update that expires November 30, 2010, for an additional month through December 31, 2010, and fully offset the cost.
- 2011 Home Health Prospective Payment System Final Rule Released - 11/2/10
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule implementing the payment update and policies related to the Home Health Prospective Payment System for Calendar Year (CY) 2011. In addition to payment polices regarding case-mix measurement and the 60 day episode, the rule contains new detailed requirements for coverage of therapy services under the home health benefit.
- 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Released - 11/2/10
Today the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2,023 page final rule on Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2011. The rule included a number of provisions that have a significant impact on physical therapists.