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State Legislation Update: January 29, 2018

Members & Publications

January 29, 2018

AAPM&R's State Advocacy Subcommittee recently endorsed a proposed cognitive rehabilitation bill in Massachusetts, Improving Lives by Ensuring Access to Brain Injury Treatment. This bill requires commercial health insurance plans to authorize appropriate rehabilitation following brain injury.

Number: MA S.502/H.2166

Sponsor: Senator Harriette L Chandler & Representative Kimberly Ferguson

Title: Improving Lives by Ensuring Access to Brain Injury Treatment

Abstract: The purpose of this bill is to mandate private insurers to fill the existing gap in coverage for post-acute cognitive rehabilitation services, which are medically necessary for an individual to recover from an acquired brain injury and return to work, family life and safe functioning at home, and in the community These services are crucial for an individual who has been medically stabilized and discharged from an acute hospital, but whose persistent cognitive deficits are severe enough to present personal safety concerns and require continued medical interventions. Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) is a process of re-learning cognitive skills essential for daily living through the coordinated specialized, integrated therapeutic treatments, which are provided in dynamic settings designed for efficient and effective re-learning following brain injury. Treatment can mean the difference between a lifetime of institutionalization and the ability to return to home and work.

Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Financial Services

CLICK HERE to access state legislative reports to keep updated on what bills are moving in YOUR state!

 

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.

 

 

 

 

 

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