Medicare Part B Therapy Caps

The road to the RUG-IV-related repeal

Liza Berger December 10, 2010

Some good news—and just in time for the holidays. Nursing home providers can ring in 2011 knowing that residents will not be denied Medicare Part B outpatient therapy and the RUG-IV system won't change.

A new hit to therapy providers

Liza Berger July 09, 2010

Another proposed rehab rule threatens to cut significant revenues from long-term care providers.

Groups ask congressional leaders to extend nine Medicare provisions beyond 2010

May 24, 2010

Several healthcare groups, including the American Health Care Association, last week urged congressional leaders to address "harmful Medicare policies" set to take effect Jan. 1, 2011.

Senate committee approves resolution freezing healthcare spending

April 23, 2010

The Senate Budget Committee Thursday approved a fiscal year 2011 budget resolution that freezes discretionary spending through fiscal year 2013 for most federal programs, including healthcare. But the resolution also includes a reserve fund that could be used to repeal the unpopular outpatient Medicare Part B therapy caps.

Groundhog Day for Medicare physician payment cuts

Liza Berger April 14, 2010

There's a game called the "temporary doc fix." Congress plays it every year and I'm beginning to tire of it.

Senate passes bill extending FMAP, therapy caps exceptions process

March 11, 2010

The Senate Wednesday passed a pivotal bill that would extend for six months the temporary increase in states Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). It also would extend the Medicare Part B therapy caps exceptions process through Dec. 31, and delay a 21% Medicare payment cut for physicians until Oct. 1.