The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) applauds the introduction of the Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act (H.R. 315), which aims to extend the current moratorium on the automatic 2% Medicare sequester cut for the duration of the pandemic.

Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and David McKinley (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan bill.

“Since enacted, the suspension of the broad 2% Medicare sequester cut has been an indispensable pillar of support for physical and occupational therapy providers, who have grappled with enormous financial and operational challenges throughout the pandemic.

“The Biden Administration has already signaled its intention to keep the current COVID public health emergency in effect through the end of 2021. Extending the sequester relief through the duration of the PHE is a commonsense solution that will provide stability to the physical therapy community and all Medicare providers who continue to struggle amid the COVID-19 crisis.”

— Nikesh Patel, PT, Executive Director of APTQI

Originally implemented as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the suspension of the 2% Medicare sequester cut was initially slated to last through December 31, 2020. However, during the closing days of the 116th Congress, lawmakers again voted to extend the sequester suspension to March 31, 2021. With the current suspension set to expire at the end of the month, H.R. 315 represents a crucial relief valve that will protect continued access to patient care for American seniors.

“We applaud Representatives Schneider and McKinley for recognizing the importance of extending relief to our nation’s Medicare providers and urge their colleagues in the U.S. House to support this urgent piece of legislation.”

— Nikesh Patel

[Source: Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation]


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