Healthcare reform has been pushed through for the most part but more than a few people we've talked to are unclear just what "health care reform" actually boils down to in the world of Physical and Occupational Therapy. We're betting you haven't read the 4386 pages in question but don't worry, we didn't either. Instead we sent our crack team of researchers to comb the internet and make sense of it all. Follow along for the breakdown.
The PTWA blog posted the details APTA sent out March 21st. The short version is that 2 bills have now passed the House in regards to healthcare. One still has to hit the Senate. Click the titles for the full text bills but be warned... they're BIG. +2,000 pages big.
HR 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- Passed 12/24/09 by the Senate, passed 3/21/10 by the House. Now goes to the President.
- Insures an extra 32 million Americans, bringing us to 95 percent coverage in the United States.
- Extends therapy cap exceptions process through 2010.
- Authorized a study with innovative models of delivery in physical therapy including direct access to physical therapists under Medicare.
- Establishes Rehabilitation as a Minimum Benefit
- Won't prevent a 21.2% reduction in payments under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule starting 4/1/10.
HR 4872, the Reconciliation Act of 2010
- Passed by house 3/21/10, now goes to the Senate
- Makes money related updates to HR 3590.
- Costs us $940 billion but cut the deficit by $138 billion over 10 years.
Doesn't sound like much does it? Really it isn't. There is more to each bill obviously but nothing specific to PT's and OT's. Congress still has not passed anything to prevent cuts in payments to physical therapists or direct access to them.
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