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Learn about HR 964 seeking Medicare recognition for RTs, alongside S 1440 and HR 4824 for cardiac and pulmonary rehab services. Despite challenges in passing Medicare/Medicaid legislation in 2006, advocacy efforts persist. The COPD Congressional Caucus and RTs' pursuit of Military Officer status and roles in the Public Health Service are key initiatives. Discover the impact of the recent PACT meeting, where over 100 RTs lobbied on Capitol Hill.
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HR 964 • HR 964 Medicare to recogngize RTs to provide RT services under the home health benefit • 43 Co-sponsors Increase due to PACT reps in DC in February
S 1440 & HR 4824 • To provide Medicare coverage for cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation services • S. 1440 (Senator Crapo) • 17 co-sponsors • HR 4825(Rep. Pickering and Lewis) • 7 co-sponsors
Medicare/Medicaid Legislation in 2006?? • Not too likely • election year • short leg year • just made major cuts to MC/MC
Will Congress deal on Medicare Issues?? • Good and bad • Bad -no vehicle for our bills • Good –can’t do more harm • Administration proposed budget calls for $39 billion+ in further cuts • including going to 13 month ownership of O2 equipment, from the just enacted 36 month bene ownership
COPD Congressional Caucus • Shines light on pulmonary issues • Higher profile if issue of pandemic flu becomes a reality
RTs and Military Officer Status • Congressman Ike Skelton (R-MO) requests DOD to study issue of RTs obtaining officer status. • Working with other armed services members of Congress to push the issue.
RTs in the Public Health Service • Public Health Service Corps Task force report to US Surgeon General • Recommends RTs with Bachelor degree and the RRT be commissioned Public Health Service Officers
PACT Meeting 2006 • Over 100 RTs came to DC in February • Over 240 Capitol Hill visits • Put the face of RT on the Hill • Joint partnership of AARC and the State Societies • Thank you to the states for funding the travel costs • Thank you to your PACT members for taking the time