FUND in 2018

The following health services and tax advantages for senior citizens, the disabled and children expire February 9th:

The outpatient therapy cap exception process created by Congress in 2006, which enables Medicare beneficiaries to exceed the annual per-patient cap for physical, speech, or occupational therapy based on medical necessity ($1.9 billion; expired December 31)

Medicare low-volume hospital add-on payments, which help offset the costs of operating a hospital that has a low number of Medicare discharges ($1.1 billion; expired September 30)

Add-on payment for ground ambulance services, including in super rural areas ($400 million; expired December 31)

Funding for National Quality Forum (NQF) review, endorsement, and maintenance of quality measures and associated programs ($100 million; expired September 30)

The Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program extension for rural hospitals with no more than 100 beds that serve a high percentage of Medicare beneficiaries ($400 million; expired September 30)

The Medicare payment add-on for home health services in rural areas ($200 million; expired December 31)

Additionally Congress has not yet funded the National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System.

Make these items a priority in the upcoming negotiations!

Frank Austin