We've asked our members to send messages to members of Congress to support an extension of the moratorium on the 2% fee cut extension past the March 31st deadline. We've recently heard from our government relations partner Shea McCarthy at Thorn Run Partners that Senators Schumer and McConnell have reached a deal to extend the moratorium through the end of 2021. Here's the detail:
We have received several reports lhat Leader Schumer has hotlined HR 1868, the Yarmuth bill that passed the House last week (2% Medicare sequester moratorium extension + waiving PAYGO). While we certainly expect Republicans to object, we have been informed of the possibility that Leader Schumer will hotline a substitute bill today that would extend the 2% sequester moratorium for 9 months - paid for with 4% sequester cut for 6 months in 2031 (per CARES Act).
This approach would look similar to the Shaheen /Collins bill, but the extension would be through the end of Calendar Year 2021, rather than the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The hope is that Leader McConnell and enough Senate Republicans would agree to this approach and that some UC agreement be possible for a clean vote this week or some point soon. Senate leaders are also hoping to move an extension of the PPP this week.
The House would still need to pass the Senate's 'clean' 2% Medicare sequester moratorium extension, which it could do upon its return in mid-April. This may necessitate the holding of claims for a couple weeks. We will keep you updated as things develop – still much uncertainty.
We urge all RBMA members, physicians and staff to register now at our advocacy website
Dontcutdocs.com to urge you Member of Congress to support this moratorium extension.
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