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As we [American Psychological Association Practice Organization] reported last week, the situation on Capitol Hill has once again shifted dramatically with the failure of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to reach agreement on $1.2 trillion in debt savings. Legislative leaders have begun to discuss options to address critical, time-sensitive issues by the end of the year, including the expiration of unemployment benefits, the Alternative Minimum Tax patch, tax extenders and Medicare extenders.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) today told the 112th Congress to “go big” by reforming Medicare payments, including enacting a permanent end to scheduled Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) physician payment cuts. The urgent need for Congress to act was demonstrated by today’s release of a Medicare final rule, announcing a 27.4 percent across-the-board cut in Medicare payments to doctors on January 1, 2012.
I am pleased to report that Congress has sent legislation to the President halting the 25% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut for one full year through the end of 2011. Thanks to the tireless work of grassroots psychologists and our team in Washington, I am thrilled to inform you that the measure includes a hard-fought one-year extension of the 5% psychotherapy payment restoration.
On November 29, the House sent legislation to the President postponing the 23% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut one month through December 31, 2010. The bill (HR 5712) passed the House by voice vote and the Senate by unanimous consent. Congressional Quarterly reports that the President is expected to quickly sign the bill.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) today is sending a video to Congressional leaders and others that features internists – speaking in their own words – issuing a heartfelt plea for Congress to avert the scheduled Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut and work toward putting an end to the repeated cycle of cuts. The 3-minute and 25-second video emphasizes how patients, in particular, will be hurt by the scheduled cuts. Check the end of this report for a link to view this video.
On November 18 the Senate passed legislation postponing the 23% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut one month through December 31, 2010. The bill (HR 5712) passed by unanimous consent and is expected to be considered by the House on November 29. Included in this announcement is a “call to action” with links and a suggested letter that will help you contact your Congressperson.
Next week the House and Senate return for the lame duck session, and they face critical Medicare reimbursement issues. If they fail to act, the 23% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut will take effect on December 1 and the 5% psychotherapy payment restoration will expire on December 31. Psychology needs your help to ensure Congress fulfills its responsibility to Medicare patients and providers in the few short weeks they have to pass legislation.
As you know, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its proposed rule on the 2011 Medicare fee schedule – and there is a lot at stake for practicing psychologists. As we [American Psychological Association Practice Organization - APAPO] have mentioned previously, in addition to reflecting an expected cut to all services as a result of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula and changes to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) payments, the rule would have a significantly negative impact on psychological and other mental health services due to revisions to the medical economic index (MEI).
On July 30th I sent you an information alert about the 2011 Medicare fee schedule proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The proposed fee schedule included some expected reimbursement cuts to all provider services related to the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula and changes to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). However, an additional cut due to revisions to the medical economic index (MEI), while generally impacting all provider services across the board, will have a significant impact on psychological and other mental health services. Please read on for a specific Call To Action for Mental Health Professionals.
As you know, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published its proposed rule on the 2011 Medicare fee schedule, and our regulatory team has completed an analysis of the lengthy and complex regulation. In addition to reflecting an expected cut to all services as a result of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula and changes to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) payments, the rule would significantly negatively impact psychological and other mental health services due to revisions to the medical economic index (MEI).
