The Behavioral Medicine Report

I am pleased to report to you that today the Senate passed legislation retroactively extending the 5% Medicare psychotherapy payment restoration through the end of 2010 and preventing the 21.2% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut through September 30. These provisions, critical to psychology, were included in the American Workers, State and Business Relief Act of 2010 (H.R. 4213). 6 Republicans joined with 56 Democrats to pass the bill in a bipartisan 62-36 vote. (read the full story)

At the urging of the APA Practice Organization (APAPO) and other provider groups, late last night the Senate voted 78-19 to pass legislation (H.R. 4691) to postpone the 21.2% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut through March 31 as Congress considers longer term solutions. The bill passed the House by voice vote on February 25 and now heads to the President for his signature. This action will prevent SGR reductions to reimbursements through the end of March. (read the full story)

On February 25, the House passed legislation (H.R. 4691) to postpone the 21.2% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut for 30 days as Congress weighs longer term solutions. Over the past twenty-four hours, Senate leadership has sought unanimous consent to pass the measure, but has been blocked due to an objection from Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY). The SGR cut was postponed for two months late last year but is now expected to take effect on March 1, as the Senate has recessed for the weekend. (continue reading)

As the fight for health care reform continues on Capitol Hill, we wanted to take a moment to update you on the APA Practice Organization’s efforts toward improving Medicare payments for practicing psychologists. At this time, the political situation on Capitol Hill remains very fluid. Following the loss of their super-majority in the Senate, Democratic leaders are reassessing their strategies on health care reform and a host of other issues. With much at stake for psychologists, their patients and their profession, we remain committed to health care reform. (continue reading)

Jeff Cook from The American Psychological Association Practice Organization (APAPO) released a urgent message for psychologists. The 2010 State Leadership Conference (SLC) is right around the corner (March 6-9), which means it is time to schedule Capitol Hill visits with members of your Congressional delegation. Each year, thanks to your hard work, there are more than 300 Congressional visits scheduled during SLC. This is annually an enormous boost to our federal advocacy effort. Check the end of this report to download: Sample Letter To Meet, APAPO Hill Appointment Schedule forms, and Key Members of Congress forms. (continue reading)