A bill in the House was supposed to extend cessation of the enhanced payments from Dec. 31, 2010-June 1, 2011, at a cost of $23 billion, but House leaders recently pulled the provision out of the bill and went on recess.
The executive director of National Association of State Budget Officers said states are still in fiscal peril and need the enhancements, originally created by the stimulus bill. The National Governors Association is asking Congress to pass the extension.
States now have fewer options other than fee cuts to reduce Medicaid expenses because the healthcare reform law bars them from increasing Medicaid premiums or changing eligibility criteria.
Read Kaiser Health News‘ report on Medicaid.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
