Paulsen introduces legislation to permanently repeal Medicare cap on outpatient services

Medicare’s current cap on outpatient therapy that hurts seniors trying to recover from debilitating illnesses would be permanently removed under bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) on Thursday.

The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act would repeal the annual $1,940 cap that Congress placed on outpatient services like physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology under Medicare in 1997.

“Many seniors depend on these therapy services in order to live rich and full lives, and a cap on these treatments hinders their ability to do so,” Paulsen said. “By removing this arbitrary and dated cap, we can stop limiting access for our seniors and ensure they are able to receive the high-quality care they deserve.”

In a 2009 report from the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee, it was estimated that the therapy cap, if enforced without an exceptions process, could negatively impact 931,000 Medicare beneficiaries.

Congress has acted numerous times to prevent the outpatient services cap from being fully implemented through exemptions for services that are deemed medically necessary.

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who introduced the bill with Paulsen, said she continually hears from seniors in her district who rely on these therapy services to maintain a better quality of life.

“Capping these needed treatments would only dictate winners and losers for seniors in my district; and all of our seniors deserve access to a better quality of life and quality care,” Blackburn said.

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dean Heller (R-NV) joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing companion legislation in the Senate on Thursday.