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Sen. Collins sponsors key Medicare rate amendment

As you may recall, the Medicare sequester was suspended during the pandemic resulting in a temporary 2% increase to our Medicare Fee for Service rates.  This increase was set to expire on March 31st.  Senate leaders now appear to have reached an agreement to try to pass legislation this week that would temporarily suspend Medicare sequestration for various provider types. There is now a goal is to adopt it by unanimous consent or under a time agreement later this week before the Senate adjourns.
 
Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) offered the amendment that extends the relief through December 31, 2021.  The good news is that it now appears that there has been a path created for the provision to be paid for.  AHCA, along with several other post-acute associations, have been actively lobbying this issue.  We are advised that this is not a done deal at this time, but that there is a growing optimism that this can pass before the current expiration date.

Staff Contact: rerb@mehca.org