Tuesday, July 15, 2008
"The American Physical Therapy Association praises the House of
Representatives for recognizing the need to protect Medicare
beneficiaries who need rehabilitation services the most - seniors and
persons with disabilities - by voting today to override President Bush's
veto of HR 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers
Act.
"HR 6331 includes provisions essential for Medicare beneficiaries to
maintain access to needed physical therapist services. Now it's up to
the Senate to assure the bill becomes law. The American Physical Therapy
Association strongly urges Senate members to take immediate action to
join with the House in overriding President Bush's veto.
"The Senate voted 69 to 30 on July 9 to pass this bill to reverse the
10.6% cut in payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule and the
expiration of the therapy cap exceptions process. Until the Senate votes
to override the President's veto, the cuts and caps are still in effect,
as they have been since the July 1, 2008 implementation date.
This critical legislation must be passed in order to protect the
quality of life and well-being of millions of Americans."
APTA President R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD