Cures Act Passes Senate

Via AAHomecare—WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 7, 2016)—This afternoon, the Senate passed H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act (CURES) by a 94–5 margin. The bill’s HME-related provisions remain unchanged from our summary last week; the bill’s positive measures, its effect on future Medicaid reimbursement rates, and the road ahead are discussed in the President’s Message that follows below.

“This is an important win for HME providers and patients in rural communities and other areas not covered by the bidding program,” said Tom Ryan, president & CEO of AAHomecare. “We look forward to building on today’s action to get longer-term relief for our industry in the 115th Congress and by working with the incoming Administration on a more sustainable reimbursement environment for HME.”

“I want to especially thank our most steadfast champions on Capitol Hill, Congressmen Tom Price R-Ga.), Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), as well as and Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), for their leadership in making sure the HME infrastructure can continue to serve the needs of the millions of Americans who rely on our products and services,” added Ryan.

President Obama has already expressed his intention to sign the bill into law.

Visit aahomecare.org for more information.