On Sept. 17, Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced H.R. 3112: Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2013. If passed, the legislation will reduce federal spending by eliminating fraudulent payments from Medicare and ensure adequate prosthetic and orthotic services are provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
The Benefits Improvement and Protection Act, legislated by Congress in 2000, mandated that a practitioner or supplier had to be certified to be paid for certain orthotic and prosthetic services under Medicare. However, these provisions have not been enforced by CMS, contributing to fraudulent payments. Under the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2013, CMS would be required to reimburse only providers who have been accredited or licensed in orthotics and prosthetics.
“When unlicensed and unaccredited providers deliver prosthetic and orthotic services, both Medicare beneficiaries and the American taxpayer are shortchanged,” Thompson stated. “Despite previous congressional mandates, not enough has been done to ensure that legitimate and licensed practitioners are providing these items and services. The Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2013 will protect Medicare beneficiaries by identifying and addressing fraudulent payments, and hold government accountable by reducing fraud and abused within Medicare.”
For more information:
Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2013. Available at: http://thompson.house.gov/sites/thompson.house.gov/files/HR%203112%20Bill%20Text.pdf. Accessed on Sept. 24, 2013.
