APTA Continues Advocacy on Cap and Cuts Solution; Encourages Members to Monitor Latest Updates
Congress
recessed last week without reaching a deal on sequestration or taking action to
extend the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process and avoid cuts to the
sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. The Senate resumed legislative business
this week. Yesterday, House Speaker John Boehner issued notice that the House
will return on Sunday, in hopes that legislators can reach a deal on the fiscal
cliff before December 31. However, at this time it is uncertain whether a
fiscal cliff deal will be voted on by the deadline. Thus far, congressional
negotiators have indicated that an SGR "fix" and a provision to
extend the cap exceptions process would be carried in the larger fiscal cliff
package.
APTA
is continuing its lobbying efforts to extend the cap exceptions process and
prevent SGR payment cuts. Over the next few days, you can weigh in with
Congress via APTA's Legislative Action Center and look for information and updates on APTA's Latest Legislative Action webpage as the
December 31 deadline approaches. You also can check APTA's Medicare Therapy Cap and Medicare Physician Fee Schedule webpages for up-to-date information.
To
help members comply with several new policies that will go into effect next
week, APTA has posted "What You Need To Know on January 1, 2013" at www.apta.org/LegislativeAction/.