MedPAC tells Congress to freeze 2009 SNF rates

As expected, the advisory arm of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Thursday recommended that Congress freeze payment rates for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year 2009.

In proposing a 0% update, the Medicare Payment and Advisory Commission (MedPAC) followed its draft recommendations issued last month. Skilled nursing facilities received a 3.3% increase in the market basket update for fiscal year 2008. The market basket represents annual cost-of-living increases.

Also Thursday, MedPAC recommended a freeze for home health agencies and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. It recommended an estimated 3% increase in payment rates for hospitals.