The Budget Control Act that Congress passed in late August capped reductions in Medicare spending at no more than 2 percent each year, which could produce total savings of $123 billion over 10 years, according to an ASC Association report.
In addition, the Medicare cuts could not be to benefits or services provided by the program, and some payments would be exempt, including Part D subsidies for low-income beneficiaries and catastrophic coverage. Because of the difficulty in agreeing on major policy issues during a presidential election year, Congress will handle many decisions on payment reductions, tax policy and unemployment insurance after the election.
Mandatory reductions in federal spending are due to go into effect on Dec. 31, 2012, due to Congress' failure to reach a comprehensive agreement to reduce the federal deficit. The process, known as sequestration, mandates across-the-board cuts beginning in 2013 that are sufficient to reduce the deficit by a total of $1.2 trillion over the next 12 years.
As those negotiations begin later this year, the ASC Association will advocate for fair reimbursement for surgery centers.
Related Articles on Legislation Affecting ASCs:
CMS Actuaries Bolster ASC Association's Argument Against CPI-U
New York Bill Would Prohibit Health Plans Without Out-of-Network Coverage
Senate Passes Act Addressing Anesthesia Drug Shortage
In addition, the Medicare cuts could not be to benefits or services provided by the program, and some payments would be exempt, including Part D subsidies for low-income beneficiaries and catastrophic coverage. Because of the difficulty in agreeing on major policy issues during a presidential election year, Congress will handle many decisions on payment reductions, tax policy and unemployment insurance after the election.
Mandatory reductions in federal spending are due to go into effect on Dec. 31, 2012, due to Congress' failure to reach a comprehensive agreement to reduce the federal deficit. The process, known as sequestration, mandates across-the-board cuts beginning in 2013 that are sufficient to reduce the deficit by a total of $1.2 trillion over the next 12 years.
As those negotiations begin later this year, the ASC Association will advocate for fair reimbursement for surgery centers.
Related Articles on Legislation Affecting ASCs:
CMS Actuaries Bolster ASC Association's Argument Against CPI-U
New York Bill Would Prohibit Health Plans Without Out-of-Network Coverage
Senate Passes Act Addressing Anesthesia Drug Shortage