Homecare providers are trying to stop the passage of a Senate budget bill that would mean “sweeping changes” in capped rental policy and freeze home health reimbursement for 2006, which they say will burden both patients and providers, according to Medical News Today.
The House of Representatives passed its budget bill late last year, but it must vote again because the Senate bill has minor changes. The American Association for Homecare and other organizations are lobbying their representatives, hoping to get a NO vote on February 1, the day the House is scheduled to vote on the Senate bill. The bill will likely pass, but providers are not conceding defeat as they urge members to write to their representatives.
Of particular concern is a provision that will cap Medicare oxygen equipment rentals to 36 months, at which time patients become the owners of the equipment. Patients would be responsible for maintenance, an expense many will not be able to meet. (See Homecare Magazine)
With a limited federal budget, lawmakers must weigh the costs and benefits of certain programs, while providers and patients are left to bear the burden of sweeping changes.