ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 30, 2009 — Funds in the FY 2010 budget
aimed at transforming the nation's health care system may be used to
improve access to outpatient physical therapy services for Medicare
beneficiaries by repealing the therapy caps, says the American Physical
Therapy Association (APTA).
S. Con. Res. 13, which recommends budgetary levels
and amounts for FY 2009-FY 2014, was passed April 29 by the House of
Representatives by a 233 to 193 vote and by a 53 to 43 Senate vote. An
amendment by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and John Ensign (R-NV) to the
budget's existing deficit neutral reserve fund relating to health care
reforms allows for improvements to the Medicare program for
beneficiaries and protects access to outpatient therapy services,
including physical therapy, through measures such as repealing the
current outpatient caps while protecting beneficiaries from associated
premium increases.
"APTA applauds Congress for recognizing the critical need to repeal
the caps on physical therapy services so that Medicare beneficiaries can
receive the care they require," said APTA President R. Scott Ward, PT,
PhD. "By including this provision in the budget, our nation's aging
adults are one step closer to having increased access to the
rehabilitative and health services provided by physical therapists that
are necessary for many conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, Parkinson
disease, and cardiovascular disease, that lead to pain and some level of
loss of function."
Earlier this year, Senators John Ensign (R-NV), Blanche Lincoln
(D-AR), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Representatives
Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Mike Ross (D-AR), and Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced
the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act (S 46/HR 43), which
calls for the repeal of the Medicare therapy caps that limit coverage of
outpatient rehabilitation services to $1,840 for physical therapy and
speech language pathology combined and $1,840 for occupational therapy
services.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects
of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000 physical
therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical
therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of
life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist
practice, education, and research. In most states, patients can make an
appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a physician
referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can treat and
find a physical therapist in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com.