Senator Portman's office is hosting a staff briefing on the CMS competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment on Tuesday, May 24th at 1:30 p.m. We know that this issue is of great interest to many of you. We urge you to contact your Senator TODAY to encourage health staff to attend this very important briefing.
Click Here to find contact information for your U.S. Senator.
State Budget Update:
The Legislature continues to struggle with a budget solution for the 2011-12 fiscal year. This week the Governor released his May Revise on his budget assumptions for the next year. The good news is revenues are up and have now been predicted to be $6.5 Billion higher than originally thought. He calls for some additional changes to Health and Human Services spending, but nothing that targets DME or medical supplies. His budget documents do refer to the already rejected caps on DME and medical supply utilization, but only if the Legislature were to adopt an "all cuts" budget, however that is not likely. Democratic leadership is talking about passing a budget by June 15th, but that may not be where it ends.
The Governor had suggested that the voters be given the opportunity to vote on extending temporary tax increases that are due to expire in June. That did not pass muster with Republicans. If voters get the opportunity to vote on taxes, they will no longer be extensions, but "new taxes". The talk is now about a fall or 2012 vote. Nothing is clear at this moment.
What is the status of the implementation of the Medi-Cal budget cuts that have already been adopted (i.e. a 10% provider rate cut to begin 6/1/11 and elimination of oral enteral nutrition, with some limited exceptions)? DHCS is awaiting approval of CMS of those and other changes that were submitted by their SPA (State Plan Amendment). CAMPS has joined with many other health care organizations in asking CMS not to approve these changes. No word yet, but it could happen at any moment. the oral enteral change requires a 60 day notice to the beneficiary, so there will be coverage well beyond June 1st.
Last week CMS released proposed regulations on new requirements for Medicaid programs to follow before they can make provider rate adjustments that might impact beneficiary access. Those regulations, however would not take effect until 2013 and a lot of damage could occur in the meantime.
We will endeavor to keep you informed as developments occur.
REMINDER:
CAMPS Membership Dinner
June 2, 2011
Embassy Suites Riverfront Promenade
100 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA
Special Guest Speaker: Cara C. Bachenheimer, Esquire, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for Invacare
Ms. Bachenheimer is responsible for the company's federal lobbying activities with Congress, the Administration and federal regulatory agencies. She will provide attendees with a Washington update on competitive bidding, health reform law issues, oxygen issues, fraud and abuse, etc.
SCHEDULE:
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Cocktail & Hors D'oeuvres Reception
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Dinner
Click here to register online.
