Congress: Extend Sequestration Relief Beyond March 31

Update:

Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and David McKinley (R-WV) recently introduced the Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act (H.R. 315) to extend the current moratorium on the automatic 2% Medicare sequester cut through the duration of the pandemic. The Partnership applauds this bipartisan effort to stabilize our nation’s healthcare infrastructure, and urges Congress to work quickly to pass this legislation.

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Last year, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Congress temporarily suspended the 2% Medicare sequester cuts through 2020 in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Partnership commends lawmakers in Washington for instituting this moratorium, but as we enter the second year of the pandemic, home health providers continue to experience significant challenges due to COVID-19.

As Medicare home health providers have navigated these challenges – coupled with the 4.36%  PDGM payment cut that took effect last year – the sequestration relief has been a helpful financial safety net.

While Congress extended the budget sequester moratorium, it is set to expire March 31. The Partnership strongly supports a further extension of the sequester relief to help stabilize our nation’s healthcare infrastructure as we continue to experience the added pressures of safely delivering care during the pandemic.

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