The Medicare 75/25 blended rate provision for DME is not in the government spending package to be considered March 8, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) said in a March 4 announcement.
“On Sunday, Congressional leaders announced an agreement for a narrow health-care package as part of appropriations legislation,” the AAHomecare bulletin said. “The package does not include provisions to extend 75/25 Medicare blended rates for DME in non-rural areas. These measures are part of appropriations language set for consideration by March 8.”
The association urged stakeholders to keep up the pressure on their senators and representatives.
“While this latest development is certainly disappointing,” AAHomecare said, “our lobbying team remains fully engaged in working with our champions to identify other options to advance 75/25 provisions in other legislative vehicles, including another government funding package that must pass before March 22.”
AAHomecare’s updated federal legislation page now includes information about the ongoing appropriations process, along with specific requests for Senate Democrats and Republicans, and House Democrats and Republicans regarding S. 1294 and H.R. 5555, respectively.
“You should emphasize that cuts have already taken effect, and share how they are impacting your ability to support your patients,” AAHomecare said. “For Senate members, you can also note that S. 1294 passed the Senate Finance Committee by a unanimous vote on Nov. 8. For House members, you can share that H.R. 5555 passed the Energy & Commerce Committee by voice vote on Dec. 6.”
