R 166

2003 -- H 5247

Enacted 04/24/03

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO ELIMINATE HOME CARE REIMBURSEMENT

REDUCTIONS

Introduced By: Representatives Ginaitt, Carter, Lally, Enos, and San Bento

Date Introduced: January 28, 2003

     WHEREAS, The home health industry has been disproportionately damaged by the

enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997; and

     WHEREAS, The Medicare program has realized savings in home health expenditures

that are far in excess of its stated goal; and

     WHEREAS, The additional fifteen percent (15%) reduction in home health payments

(implemented October 1, 2002), will put additional providers at risk of insolvency; and

     WHEREAS, The implementation of the Prospective Payment System in home health has

allowed for reimbursement rates that are directly linked to a patient's diagnosis and appropriate

treatment; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby memorializes the Congress of the United States to enact legislation

that would permanently eliminate the fifteen percent (15%) reduction in home health Medicare

payments implemented October 1, 2002; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Congressional delegation and

to the Congress of the United States.

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LC00854

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