Stop 2021 Fee Reductions & Protect Your Reimbursement

Medicare is scheduled to make a significant reduction in Medicare rates in 2021. All Medicare provider groups are forming a coalition to block these scheduled cuts and there are things that you may do. Several members of the House introduced H.R. 8702, the Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act. This comprehensive bill has wide support in Congress and among Medicare providers. H.R. 8702, through what is known as a “hold harmless” approach, would ensure that payments to Medicare providers, including acupuncture providers, remain at current levels through 2022.

Note many payer groups use formulas based on Medicare rates also including the VA and workers’ compensation. Rate reductions to Medicare will not only affect Medicare but many payment formulas.

This critical legislation recognizes the importance of allowing significant scheduled pay increases to primary care and others who primarily provide E/M services to take effect while also avoiding the devastating corresponding cuts for physician and non-physician providers that will occur because of Medicare’s budget neutrality requirements. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to halt the implementation of any payment reductions that will further exacerbate the financial instability of health care providers, especially acupuncturists.

 Take a moment today to send a letter to your local congressperson and urge them to co-sponsor this critical legislation. Use this link to find your local congressperson