Washington Outlook
The Rush Is On
The industry now has an opportunity to work with Congress, CMS and other stakeholders to move Medicare away from its outdated and inefficient “pay-and-chase” model toward real-time monitoring. If done correctly, this would be in all stakeholders’ best interest, including Medicare.
Separate Benefit for Complex Rehab
Late last year, Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., promised to introduce legislation creating a separate benefit category for complex rehab. Our goal is to get the bill introduced before this year’s NCART/NRRTS CELA Conference set for April 17 - 19 in Washington.
This separate benefit would improve and protect access to complex rehab technology (CRT) products and services for people with significant disabilities. Early introduction of the bill will provide time to build support for passage.
Medicaid
At the state level, challenges will continue to present themselves as state legislatures continue efforts to reduce expenditures or slow the growth of Medicaid programs. The industry is more organized and had positive outcomes in some states last year because of increased efforts. In 2012, many state legislators will also be up for re-election, which should make them more attuned to issues raised by constituents.
Since all states have individual Medicaid programs, the best resource for the latest information is your state associations and organizations. Each has resources to get stakeholders more involved in helping protect Medicaid coverage and payment policies.
No matter which issues keep you awake at night, you should feel a sense of opportunity in 2012. Remember, all the politicking that you see in Washington and in your state signals one thing—legislators need your support and are more apt to listen to your concerns.
Continue Reading...
- Login to post comments
