Still no resolution settling Medicare reimbursement issue

January 2, 2013 — The president and congressional Republicans are still looking for common ground on “Fiscal Cliff” measures, including a postponement of scheduled Medicare payment cuts, which would result in a 27-percent reduction in reimbursement to all Medicare providers — including chiropractors. 

Medicare providers will also face an additional two percent cut due to further budget-tightening legislation if an agreement isn’t reached. It is possible that these items will not be addressed by Congress until early January, when the 113th Congress convenes. Earlier this week, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that all claims for services on or before Dec. 31 would be unaffected by the payment cut scheduled to take place on Jan. 1. However, the CMS bulletin also stated that because of the current progress, or lack thereof, in negations, they “must take steps to implement the negative update.” 

 Until these issues are determined, we continue to urge the profession to contact their representative and senators in Washington and call on them to push for legislation that will repeal the scheduled cuts and work to find a long-term, viable solution. Click here to send your message to Congress today. 

Source: American Chiropractic Association, acatoday.org