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.
The American Health Care
Association praised passage of the American Workers, State, and Business Relief
Act of 2010 (H.R. 4213). The bill now goes to the House for a vote.
“As seniors across the U.S. are
being subjected to hurtful state Medicaid cuts and other negative care
variables associated with the ongoing national recession, passage of the
therapy cap extension provision and enhanced FMAP funding are two key AHCA
legislative priorities that have just moved closer to being achieved, and we
thank the U.S. Senate for advancing the ball down the field,” Bruce Yarwood,
president and CEO of the association, said in a statement.
The increase in the FMAP now will
continue through June 30, 2011.