Blocking Medicare payment cuts for doctors failed to survive last-minute government funding negotiations, even though several other health policies are still included.
A massive 1,500-page bill with text amendments was initially negotiated, but that bill was scrapped for a much smaller 120-page bill. The documentation amendments did not survive, nor did the pharmacy management reforms benefit. However, community health center funding, hospital programs, and telehealth policies persisted.
Congress passed and the president signed a much smaller bill on December 21, temporarily averting a government shutdown. of American Rescue Act of 2025 (HR 10545) extends federal funding through March 14, 2025. This includes: farm building$100 billion in funding to FEMA for disaster recovery, as well as a small number of medical expanders.
doctor
The previous package partially abated 2.5% of the 2.8% reduction in Medicare reimbursement that doctors would receive in 2025. The amendment was not signed into law, meaning doctors would face a 2.8% cut starting January 1, 2025. The enacted legislation includes an extension of the work geography index through April 1, 2025, and various telehealth policies through March 31. , 2025.
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next year. These insurances are not included at the end of the year. financing package.
hospital
Minor adjustments and Medicare dependent designations are extended through March 31, 2025. The hospital-at-home model is extended until March 31, 2025. Telehealth policy is extended until March 31, 2025. Medicaid disproportionate hospital burden reductions are suspended until March. Through 31, 2025, Medicare Ground Ambulance Supplemental Payments will be extended through that period.
Important points:
• Large year-end funding package will be eliminated and replaced with a much smaller package signed into law.
• Physician salary modifications were not included in the final law.
• Various medical insurance plans will be extended for 90 days.
Life and care for the elderly
The package does not include repealing or delaying nursing home staffing requirements. But we hope this will be taken up in the new Congress. The ability to conduct in-person visits using telemedicine prior to recertification for hospice care eligibility is extended through March 31, 2025.
community health center
Funding for CHC is extended until March 31, 2025. The National Health Service Corps and Center for Education and Health, which run postgraduate medical education programmes, will also be extended until 31 March 2025. Telehealth extension for federally qualified health centers extends through March 31, 2025. 2025.
Telemedicine policy
Geographical requirements and origination changes have been extended through March 31, 2025. The list of practitioners who can provide telehealth services has also been expanded, as well as the various telehealth policies currently in place for FQHCs and rural clinics. Additionally, in-person requirements for mental health services provided through telehealth have also been postponed until March 31, 2025. The ability to conduct in-person visits using telemedicine prior to recertification for hospice care eligibility has been extended through March 31, 2025. 2025.
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This small federal funding package, passed in late December, means the next Congress will have to act again in early 2025, as the federal funding expires on March 14, 2025. Additionally, the extension of medical insurance is only available until March 31, 2025. There will be no doctors, so the result will be (as expected) a very busy new year.
If your organization needs help deciphering these changes and their impact on you and your business, CLA’s Healthcare and Life Sciences Advisory team is here to help. Please contact us anytime.
This blog contains general information and is not intended to provide legal, accounting, investment, tax, or other professional services. Please consult your advisor to determine whether this content is applicable to your particular situation.
