US Politics: Action Alert on Medicare Bill Provisions Affecting Orthotics and Prosthetics
NAAOP
Description
Collection
Title:
US Politics: Action Alert on Medicare Bill Provisions Affecting Orthotics and Prosthetics
Creator:
NAAOP
Date:
10/8/2003
Text:
Action Alert
NAAOP learned today that Congressional staff engaged in negotiations on the
Medicare reform and prescription drug bill are considering the provisions
related to a fee schedule freeze and/or competitive bidding this week.
Staff members are being urged to compromise on these issues without moving
to a member-level discussion. It now appears that the prevailing
compromise is a combination of a five-year fee schedule freeze followed
immediately by nationwide competitive bidding.
Many view this development as not being unexpected, but certainly the worst
of both options. However, this compromise would give interest groups
additional time to raise concerns and to alter or refine implementation of
this proposal. NAAOP continues to press the case, as recently as today,
with staff on the conference committee to adopt the House language on
off-the-shelf orthotics.
The House version confines competitive bidding to off-the-shelf orthoses
that require minimal self-adjustment for appropriate use and [do] not
require expertise in trimming, bending, molding, assembling, or customizing
to fit the patient. The Senate bill defines off-the-shelf orthotics as
non-custom fabricated orthotics. The Senate language is far more
expansive and likely applies to a much greater proportion of orthotic care,
including orthoses that require extensive professional analysis to assess
and provide an array of services required to fit and maintain the function
of the orthotic device.
We will keep you informed of any further developments.
Visit our web site at www.oandp.com/naaop
Come share YOUR view! Government Relations is what WE do!
NAAOP learned today that Congressional staff engaged in negotiations on the
Medicare reform and prescription drug bill are considering the provisions
related to a fee schedule freeze and/or competitive bidding this week.
Staff members are being urged to compromise on these issues without moving
to a member-level discussion. It now appears that the prevailing
compromise is a combination of a five-year fee schedule freeze followed
immediately by nationwide competitive bidding.
Many view this development as not being unexpected, but certainly the worst
of both options. However, this compromise would give interest groups
additional time to raise concerns and to alter or refine implementation of
this proposal. NAAOP continues to press the case, as recently as today,
with staff on the conference committee to adopt the House language on
off-the-shelf orthotics.
The House version confines competitive bidding to off-the-shelf orthoses
that require minimal self-adjustment for appropriate use and [do] not
require expertise in trimming, bending, molding, assembling, or customizing
to fit the patient. The Senate bill defines off-the-shelf orthotics as
non-custom fabricated orthotics. The Senate language is far more
expansive and likely applies to a much greater proportion of orthotic care,
including orthoses that require extensive professional analysis to assess
and provide an array of services required to fit and maintain the function
of the orthotic device.
We will keep you informed of any further developments.
Visit our web site at www.oandp.com/naaop
Come share YOUR view! Government Relations is what WE do!
Citation
NAAOP, “US Politics: Action Alert on Medicare Bill Provisions Affecting Orthotics and Prosthetics,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/221985.
