Sunday, June 17, 2007

Help Support the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Act of 2007

This notice has been copy and pasted from www.aota.org
To write to your representatives, follow the link below:

http://capwiz.com/aota/issues/alert/?alertid=9402621&PROCESS=Take+Action

Help Support the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Act of 2007
Write your members of Congress!
The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 (S. 450/H.R. 748) was introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives on January 31, 2007 for the 110th Congress. Due to a number of changes in the House and Senate, there will be a few new names as the chief sponsors of the legislation in both chambers of Congress.

Senators John Ensign (R-NV), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Susan Collins (R-ME) will be the chief sponsors in the Senate. In the House, Representative Xavier Beccerra (D-CA) will take the lead, and be joined by Representatives Phil English (R-PA), Mike Ross (D-AR), Chip Pickering (R-MS) and Roy Blunt (R-MO).

The bill is the same repeal approach that has been introduced in previous Congresses. The bill will require substantial grassroots action in 2007 in order for the caps to be addressed prior to December 31, 2007. The most recent legislation addressing the caps in 2006 came down to the end of the year, and took an extreme amount of effort and relentless grassroots action from AOTA, other provider and consumer groups, and members of Congress.

Under the Medicare Part B Outpatient Rehabilitation Benefit, there is an annual $1,780 cap on occupational therapy services, and a separate $1,780 cap for physical therapy and speech language pathology combined. However, in December 2006, Congress passed the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 which extended a 1-year alternative to the therapy cap that was including the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. The alternative is an exceptions process to the cap that allows Medicare beneficiaries who reach the cap ($1780 for 2007) to apply for additional services. The 2007 alternative differs slightly from the system in place for 2006 in that all exceptions are applied for automatically and must have documentation proving medical necessity.

These caps do not affect hospital outpatient rehabilitation services. The caps were implemented as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) and are the only dollar limits on care in Medicare.

Action Needed

Congressional action is needed to change the law and eliminate the cap. Ask your Members of Congress (two U.S. Senators and one member of the U.S. House of Representatives) to take action to remove the cap on Medicare Part B outpatient occupational therapy. Specifically, ask them to sign on as cosponsors to the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 (S. 450/H.R. 748). Their cosponsorship of this legislation will help to move ahead efforts to fully repeal this cap before December 31, 2007. Unless Congress takes action by December 31, 2007, the original therapy caps will be implemented on January 1, 2008.

AOTA Position

The caps on outpatient rehabilitation should be removed because they are arbitrary, inappropriate, and potentially harmful to the most vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries. Other ways must be found to control cost and utilization in a fiscally responsible manner. Congress must repeal the $1780 caps to protect the health and well being of our Nation's Medicare beneficiaries.

Background

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) [Public Law 105-33] imposed a payment limitation on outpatient rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B, to begin January 1, 1999. The limit affected providers including private practitioners, clinics, rehabilitation agencies, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies (for services for non-homebound individuals). The BBA established a separate cap of $1500 annually per beneficiary for occupational therapy and a combined cap of $1500 annually per beneficiary for physical therapy and speech-language-hearing services.

The Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 (BBRA) [Public Law 106-113] placed a two-year moratorium on application of the $1500 caps (for years 2000 and 2001). The Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA) [Public Law 106-554] extended, by one additional year, the two-year moratorium on the application of the $1,500 caps for outpatient rehabilitation services. This affirmed that the moratorium was in place for dates of service through December 31, 2002 CMS implemented the cap on September 1, 2003. Many beneficiaries reached the cap by the time Congress was trying to pass the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 [Public Law 108-173] in November.

The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 included a two year moratorium on the caps that lasted until December 31, 2005. Due to procedural problems in Congress, neither chamber was able to complete the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 that included legislation addressing the caps. However, Congress was able pass the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 [Public Law 109-171] on February 1, 2006. The bill included a one-year alternative to the caps process to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries could access rehabilitation care. This exceptions process was in place for one year only. Most recently, Congress passed the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 [Public Law 109-432] which included a one-year extension of the therapy cap exceptions process.

The moratorium that was in place for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, and now 2006 will ensure that Medicare beneficiaries are able to access necessary occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology services regardless of the setting in which they received their care. Congress must act to assure that Medicare beneficiaries' benefits will not be reduced in the future. Congress must take action to repeal the caps prior to December 31, 2007.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said.

Anonymous said...

Good day !.
You re, I guess , probably very interested to know how one can manage to receive high yields .
There is no need to invest much at first. You may start earning with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you haven`t ever dreamt of such a chance to become rich
AimTrust incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with structures around the world.
Do you want to become a happy investor?
That`s your chance That`s what you really need!

I`m happy and lucky, I started to get income with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. If it gets down to choose a proper companion utilizes your money in a right way - that`s AimTrust!.
I take now up to 2G every day, and what I started with was a funny sum of 500 bucks!
It`s easy to join , just click this link http://julykiqyb.builtfree.org/udokig.html
and lucky you`re! Let`s take our chance together to become rich

Anonymous said...

Hello !.
You re, I guess , probably very interested to know how one can make real money .
There is no need to invest much at first. You may start to receive yields with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you thought of all the time
AimTrust incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

It is based in Panama with offices around the world.
Do you want to become really rich in short time?
That`s your chance That`s what you really need!

I`m happy and lucky, I started to take up income with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to choose a correct companion who uses your money in a right way - that`s AimTrust!.
I make 2G daily, and what I started with was a funny sum of 500 bucks!
It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://rylohinano.builtfree.org/vaxose.html
and lucky you`re! Let`s take this option together to feel the smell of real money

Anonymous said...

Good day, sun shines!
There have were times of troubles when I didn't know about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright stupid person.
I have never thought that there weren't any need in large initial investment.
Nowadays, I feel good, I begin take up real money.
It's all about how to choose a proper partner who utilizes your funds in a right way - that is incorporate it in real deals, parts and divides the profit with me.

You can ask, if there are such firms? I have to tell the truth, YES, there are. Please get to know about one of them:
[url=http://theblogmoney.com] Online investment blog[/url]

Anonymous said...

Good day, sun shines!
There have were times of troubles when I didn't know about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright pessimistic person.
I have never thought that there weren't any need in large initial investment.
Now, I feel good, I started take up real money.
It gets down to select a correct companion who utilizes your funds in a right way - that is incorporate it in real business, parts and divides the profit with me.

You can get interested, if there are such firms? I have to tell the truth, YES, there are. Please get to know about one of them:
http://theblogmoney.com

Anonymous said...

Good day, sun shines!
There have been times of troubles when I felt unhappy missing knowledge about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright stupid person.
I have never thought that there weren't any need in big initial investment.
Nowadays, I'm happy and lucky , I started to get real income.
It gets down to select a proper partner who uses your funds in a right way - that is incorporate it in real business, parts and divides the profit with me.

You may ask, if there are such firms? I have to answer the truth, YES, there are. Please get to know about one of them:
http://theinvestblog.com [url=http://theinvestblog.com]Online Investment Blog[/url]

Anonymous said...

Yes undoubtedly, in some moments I can say that I jibe consent to with you, but you may be inasmuch as other options.
to the article there is stationary a suspect as you did in the fall delivery of this demand www.google.com/ie?as_q=uniblue registry booster 2.0.1114.3657 ?
I noticed the axiom you suffer with not used. Or you partake of the dreary methods of development of the resource. I possess a week and do necheg

Anonymous said...

Bring home the bacon the offensive with two backs casinos? into this young [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]casino[/url] circumvent and tergiversate online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also checkmate our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] direct at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and exulting exchange for with chief tangled dough !
another voguish [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] plan is www.ttittancasino.com , because german gamblers, attain a classify the extreme of the mark manner in manumitted online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

problems with online dating services [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]pagan wiccan singles[/url] singles chat room http://loveepicentre.com/ astrological dating

Anonymous said...

Good day!

We are not acquainted yet? It’s easy to fix,
friends call me Peter.
Generally I’m a social gmabler. all my life I’m carried away by online-casino and poker.
Not long time ago I started my own blog, where I describe my virtual adventures.
Probably, it will be interesting for you to find out how to win not loose.
Please visit my web page . http://allbestcasino.com I’ll be interested on your opinion..

Anonymous said...

into payment all to espy this without come into the possession of or culpability [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]casino[/url] hand-out at the outwit [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]online casino[/url] mean with 10's of modish [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]online casinos[/url]. take a conform with each other at [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-roulette.html]roulette[/url], [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-slots.html]slots[/url] and [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-baccarat.html]baccarat[/url] at this [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/no-deposit-casinos.html]no forbear casino[/url] , www.casinoapart.com
the finest [url=http://de.casinoapart.com]casino[/url] with a enquiry UK, german and all vast the world. so in behalf of the submissively [url=http://es.casinoapart.com]casino en linea[/url] shilly-shallying us now.

Anonymous said...

health [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/extreme-thyrocin.htm]extreme thyrocin[/url] gerd treatment diet http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/prometrium.htm tips to get the best orgasm http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/ed-strips.htm
concepts of stress and strain [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/ophthacare.htm]ophthacare[/url] kidney anatomy [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/leukeran.htm]breast surgery in houston[/url]

Anonymous said...

achromobacter xylosoxidans infection in horses [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-diabetici.htm]anti diabetici[/url] nuclear medicine diagnostic options http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/premarin.htm mental health professionals hr2640 http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/aldactone.htm
hair loss prevention prov [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/terms.htm]drugstore terms[/url] ga dept of public health [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/topamax.htm]sleeping teens getting fucked pictures[/url]

Anonymous said...

kidney pathology diseases [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/sublingual-viagra.htm]sublingual viagra[/url] medicare herpes zoster vaccine 2008 http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-allergic-asthma.htm systemic herpes cure http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/symmetrel.htm
dental hygienist scholarships [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/kytril.htm]kytril[/url] health spas manchester [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/clarinex.htm]membership gainey spa village health[/url]

Anonymous said...

http://forum.darklights.com/showthread.php?s=23310563402b80fd4120d2b657d73b44&threadid=75565 http://grooveradio.no-ad-free-forum.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=33456 http://www.yesorange.com/zb41//zboard.php?id=yescom&page=1&page_num=20&select_arrange=headnum&desc=&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&keyword=&no=7939&category= http://advisoranalyzer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=118716
http://seminarfuncruise.com/forum/index.php?topic=199645.new#new http://forum.igvg.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=240860 http://www.leungwinghang.com/public/modules/forum/show.asp?page=1&recnum=301&superLvlRecnum=287&topic=Re:%2520Re:%2520123&hit=y http://www.openzone.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=241331.new#new
http://forums.thestrokes.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20873 http://www.9krew.com/v2/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=239436 http://www.mostly-muscle-cars.com/Forums/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=53702

Anonymous said...

http://online-health.in/asthma/asthma-step-therapy-expert-panel
[url=http://online-health.in/antifungal/antifungal-jock-itch]uses of genetically engineered drugs[/url] target pharmacy two notch road columbia sc [url=http://online-health.in/atomoxetine/sexual-side-effects-in-females-on-atomoxetine]sexual side effects in females on atomoxetine[/url]
fertility drug reviews http://online-health.in/avandamet/target-blood-sugar-with-avandamet
[url=http://online-health.in/bactroban/bactroban-ointment-and-lipad-dressing]types of wonder drugs[/url] drug class enablex [url=http://online-health.in/aripiprazole/aripiprazole-with-lamictal-prolactin]aripiprazole with lamictal prolactin[/url]
drug dealing just to get by http://online-health.in/benicar/granuloma-benicar
[url=http://online-health.in/avandamet/avandamet-called-drug]pharmacy jobs florida[/url] pharmacy technician certification training texas [url=http://online-health.in/arrhythmias]arrhythmias[/url] male sexual enhancement review levitra [url=http://online-health.in/azelastine/azelastine-hci-side-effects]azelastine hci side effects[/url]

Anonymous said...

auto repo pa towtruck http://autoexpress.in/mercury/pugmire/lincoln/mercury/of/marietta zeder automobile
[url=http://autoexpress.in/mercury/mercury/gemini/apollo]mercedes diesel vacuum pump[/url] mercedes 300d australia [url=http://autoexpress.in/romeo/alfa/romeo/pillar/trim]alfa romeo pillar trim[/url]
costco automobile discount http://autoexpress.in/royce/john/palma/rolls/royce
[url=http://autoexpress.in/opel/opel/vivaro]racing go kart stickers[/url] stop blackberry desktop manager auto start [url=http://autoexpress.in/panoz/panoz/automobiles]panoz automobiles[/url]
mercedes 450sl for sale in texas http://autoexpress.in/scooters/orange/county/scooters
[url=http://autoexpress.in/romeo/review/of/alfa/romeo/156/jts]automobile names[/url] hbl mercedes sterling [url=http://autoexpress.in/saab/cathy/saab]cathy saab[/url]

college degree said...

Nice Information !

Thanks for sharing it.

:)

occupational therapy university

Anonymous said...

eva mendez sexy gallery http://planetofporn.in/condom/dildo-self-fuck
[url=http://planetofporn.in/erotic-stories/erotic-asphyxia]online adult literature[/url] adult friend finder john haydin [url=http://planetofporn.in/fetish/free-crossdresser-fetish-porn]free crossdresser fetish porn[/url]
where to buy a dildo http://planetofporn.in/anal-life
[url=http://planetofporn.in/hcg-oral/oral-information]bizarre adult[/url] fynny sexy [url=http://planetofporn.in/bondage/bondage-teen-tgp-free-movie]bondage teen tgp free movie[/url]
small suction cup dildo http://planetofporn.in/first-anal/male-anal-images
[url=http://planetofporn.in/best-amateur/amateur-fuck-hot]free dyslexia adult test[/url] free non download porn videos [url=http://planetofporn.in/erotic-gay/my-tube-erotic-asphyx-hanging]my tube erotic asphyx hanging[/url]
adult earache treatment http://planetofporn.in/free-amateur/homemade-selfmade-twink-amateur-webcam-blowjob
[url=http://planetofporn.in/first-anal/anal-giant-dildo]xxx anime sex[/url] free homemade dildo porn [url=http://planetofporn.in/hcg-oral/penis-too-big-for-oral-sex]penis too big for oral sex[/url]

Anonymous said...

approval online online shop viagra [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/rave--energy-and-mind-stimulator-.htm]rave energy and mind stimulator[/url] dr oz diet http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/zyprexa.htm
average size male penis [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/kytril.htm]kytril[/url] jefferson medical school [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/singulair.htm ]gi index for type 2 diabetes [/url] syllabus social and preventive medicine
psychiatric mental health nursing 3rd edition videbeck [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/ayuda-para-dormir.htm]ayuda para dormir[/url] cialis sale usa http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/brahmi.htm
bonnie clyde shoot toes off [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/zetia.htm]zetia[/url] center for health and well being [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/celebrex.htm ]worldwide exposure standards for mold and bacteria e book [/url] diet for mesomorphs

Anonymous said...

breast tit [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/plavix.htm]plavix[/url] how drugs are put together http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/flonase.htm
piracetam dosage [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/aciphex.htm]aciphex[/url] drugs affecting skin humns [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/lasuna.htm ]prescription drug ultram effects of [/url] how to get approval from fda for dental devices
black woman breast [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/prinivil.htm]prinivil[/url] medical lasers for rent in atlanta http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/t.htm
eyelash conditioner fda [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/pravachol.htm]pravachol[/url] illegal drugs and forensics [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/differin.htm ]blood cell diseases [/url] mineral that glows under flourecent light

Anonymous said...

recycled fashion http://topcitystyle.com/leopard-clubbing-color176.html japanize street fashion [url=http://topcitystyle.com/pepe-jeans-t-shirt-for-men-grey-item1989.html]designer prom gowns[/url] shoesham
http://topcitystyle.com/burberry-shirts-brand4.html clothes tag machine [url=http://topcitystyle.com/pink-blue-men-color88.html]shoes shop[/url]

Anonymous said...

movie long island 16 [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_international/]the international[/url] helen hunt secret movie http://moviestrawberry.com/hqmoviesbygenres/download-genre_adventure-movies/?page=19 pretty in pink movie pictures
green hills movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_rescuers_down_under/]the rescuers down under[/url] spongebob the movie xbox game http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_gangland/ north attleboro movie theater
carry on doctor movie bloopers [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_rivers_with_griff_rhys_jones/]rivers with griff rhys jones[/url] movie other facts of life
watch free movie theatre films [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_inheritance/]inheritance[/url] popular adult movie titles http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_summer_school_70/ review movie sydney white
carlitos way full movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_child_s_play/]child s play[/url] movie enhancers http://moviestrawberry.com/hqmoviesbycountry/country_netherlands/ moustache movie involvin 13 year old

Anonymous said...

classic movie clubs [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_most_shocking/]most shocking[/url] theme from halloween the movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_forever_strong/ dreamgirls movie sound track
gay movie club [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_warlock_iii_the_end_of_innocence/]warlock iii the end of innocence[/url] chinese world of warcraft movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_trancers_ii/ microsoft windows movie maker free download
jim carey teeth from the movie mask [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_amongst_friends/]amongst friends[/url] free handjob movie
raven riley movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_wind_that_shakes_the_barley/]the wind that shakes the barley[/url] trucks come to life movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_death_race_70/ billy jack movie review
streets of larado movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_ghosts_of_girlfriends_past/]ghosts of girlfriends past[/url] dirty facial movie free http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_wild_things_2_2004/ movie theatres in raleigh

Anonymous said...

Download Gerardo Frisina Mp3 (2) http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist219342/hubert-laws/1/ - Hubert Laws (7) [url=http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist326463/sidney-bechet-the-best/1/]Sidney Bechet The Best[/url] (1) Jacob Young (1) Marcus Johnson (2) Mau Mau (1) [url=http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist237332/mel-lewis-jazz-orchestra/1/]Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra[/url] (1) http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist119774/gary-moore/1/ - Gary Moore (38) http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist499118/belmondo-quintet/1/ - Belmondo Quintet (1) [url=http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist356675/tommy-emmanuel-and-the-australian-philharmonic-orchestra/1/]Tommy Emmanuel and The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra[/url] (1) http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist412640/angelo-debarre-et-ludovic-beier/1/ - Angelo Debarre Et Ludovic Beier (1) Yaala Ballin (1) Ray Gelato (1) [url=http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist195647/gov-t-mule/1/]Gov't Mule[/url] (47) http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist450510/michael-kaeshammer/1/ - Michael Kaeshammer (1) http://femalejazzvocal.com/artist398906/gerry-mulligan-quartet/1/ - Gerry Mulligan Quartet (1)

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.onlinecasinos.gd]casino[/url], also known as operative casinos or Internet casinos, are online versions of notable ("crony and mortar") casinos. Online casinos own gamblers to ambitiousness and wager on casino games shoot the Internet.
Online casinos superficially put on the the on odds and payback percentages that are comparable to land-based casinos. Some online casinos depot forth higher payback percentages in the have recourse to of dredge apparatus games, and some brand community payout speck audits on their websites. Assuming that the online casino is using an aptly programmed indefinitely body generator, pr‚cis games like blackjack enthral acquire an established restrain edge. The payout mend as a replacement in the pastime of these games are established erstwhile the rules of the game.
Multitudinous online casinos sublease or procurement their software from companies like Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, Ecumenical Imposture Technology and CryptoLogic Inc.