While the Budget Control Act of 2011 does not have specific plans to cut funding for health information technology, the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Meaningful Use Incentive Program may face reductions if the Joint Committee's proposal does not meet the $1.2 trillion savings goal or is rejected, according to a Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society fact sheet (pdf).
If the Joint Committee's proposal fails or is rejected by Congress, Medicare funding would be cut by up to 2 percent starting in 2013. In addition, although the EHR incentive program has bipartisan support, the committee may choose to cut the program as a way to help achieve the $1.2 trillion reduction.
"In order to transform our nation's healthcare system to one that provides predictably high quality care, protects patient safety and removes unnecessary costs, Congress should preserve the investment being made in the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Meaningful Use Incentive Program," HIMSS said.
EHRs: The Starting Point of Healthcare's Future
CMS' Milestone Timeline Alerts Providers to Meaningful Use Deadlines
If the Joint Committee's proposal fails or is rejected by Congress, Medicare funding would be cut by up to 2 percent starting in 2013. In addition, although the EHR incentive program has bipartisan support, the committee may choose to cut the program as a way to help achieve the $1.2 trillion reduction.
"In order to transform our nation's healthcare system to one that provides predictably high quality care, protects patient safety and removes unnecessary costs, Congress should preserve the investment being made in the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Meaningful Use Incentive Program," HIMSS said.
Related Articles on Meaningful Use:
ONC's Meaningful Use Director Josh Seidman: MU Less About Technology, More About Patient CareEHRs: The Starting Point of Healthcare's Future
CMS' Milestone Timeline Alerts Providers to Meaningful Use Deadlines