Rep. Pat Tiberi, a Republican from Ohio, and Rep. Jim McDermott, a Democrat from Washington, introduced new legislation this week to allow Medicare to adjust its readmission program for patients' socioeconomic status and to delay CMS' ability to terminate Medicare Advantage contracts for failing to meet minimum quality ratings.
The goal of The Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act, or H.R. 5273, is to improve patient access to affordable, high-quality care and allow hospitals and healthcare providers to provide care to patients while implementing payment reforms
According to Rep. Tiberi, "The Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act takes responsible steps to strengthen Medicare and give hospitals and healthcare providers the certainty they need to best serve their patients. It is fully paid for and includes many bipartisan provisions that are priorities to members of the Ways and Means Committee."
Rep. McDermott added, "In addition, the bill improves the beneficiary enrollment process to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive clear information that will help them make informed decisions regarding their benefit options."
The Federation of American Hospitals President and CEO Chip Kahn responded to the bill Wednesday with the following statement.
"Legislation introduced today by the leadership of the Ways and Means Committee recognizes the importance of access to hospital care for millions of Americans. That is why I am pleased to offer the support of the FAH for this targeted, thoughtful measure that would, among other provisions, allow community hospitals to finalize essential outpatient arrangements in order to better serve patients in their communities."
To access the full bill, click here.
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