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)