February 26, 2010

SGR Cuts Looming – Congressional Action Stalled

This week, the House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R.4691) to extend, for 30 days, the temporary fix to the Medicare SGR and a number of expiring tax provisions. The Senate has tried to pass parallel legislation by unanimous consent, but has been unable to pass the bill – largely due to Sen. Bunnings (R-KY) objections.

As you may recall, Congress earlier this year, passed legislation that delays the 21% cut in Medicare physician payments until March 1, 2010. It is unlikely that Congress will be able to pass SGR legislation before the March 1st deadline.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has directed its claims processors to hold all claims submitted on or after March 1 for 10 days. It is hoped that Congress can enact another temporary fix to the SGR within that 10 day widow.

If Congress does not enact a temporary fix within the 10 day window, it is expected that Medicare payments to physicians and other Medicare part B providers will be cut by 21%.

The ATS will continue to push Congress and the Administration to enact a permanent fix to the SGR.

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