Medicare and Medicaid Extension Act of 2008
Latest action (9 Jul 2008): Introduced
What this bill does
This bill, S. 3236, titled the Medicare and Medicaid Extension Act of 2008, has been introduced in Congress by Senator Mitch McConnell. Its stated purpose is to make several changes and extensions to existing Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Specifically, the bill proposes to extend various provisions related to Medicare physician payments, including updates and adjustments to the physician fee schedule. It also aims to delay the full implementation of a program for acquiring durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies, revising how this program would be put into effect. Additionally, the bill extends several Medicaid programs, such as those for qualifying individuals and disproportionate share hospitals.
As the bill was only recently introduced, its full text is not yet publicly available. Therefore, the specific details of how it would affect individuals, healthcare providers, or other entities are not fully known. The bill is currently in the initial stage of the legislative process and will require further consideration by Congress to potentially become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Medicare and Medicaid Extension Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend: (1) the physician payment update; (2) the floor on the work geographic adjustment under the Medicare physician fee schedule; (3) the treatment of certain physician pathology services; (4) the exceptions process for therapy caps; (5) the payment rule for brachytherapy and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals; and (6) the accommodation of physicians ordered to active duty in the Armed Services.
Delays generally until after 2011 full implementation of the Medicare competitive acquisition program for the purchase of durable medical equipment (DME), prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
Revises such program, dividing its implementation into two rounds, and specifying covered item updates for 2009-2014.
Prescribes requirements for application of accreditation in implementing quality standards.
Requires suppliers to disclose subcontractors.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a competitive acquisition ombudsman within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to respond to complaints and inquiries by suppliers and individuals.
Specifies topics for the Comptroller General's required study and report to Congress on the impact of competitive acquisition of DME on suppliers, manufacturers, and patients.
Sets forth a special rule for the competitive acquisition program for diabetic testing strips.
Common questions
- What does S. 3236 do?
- This bill, S. 3236, titled the Medicare and Medicaid Extension Act of 2008, has been introduced in Congress by Senator Mitch McConnell. Its stated purpose is to make several changes and extensions to existing Medicare and Medicaid programs. Specifically, the bill proposes to extend various provisions related to Medicare physician payments, including updates and adjustments to the physician fee schedule. It also aims to delay the full implementation of a program for acquiring durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies, revising how this program would be put into effect. Additionally, the bill extends several Medicaid programs, such as those for qualifying individuals and disproportionate share hospitals. As the bill was only recently introduced, its full text is not yet publicly available. Therefore, the specific details of how it would affect individuals, healthcare providers, or other entities are not fully known. The bill is currently in the initial stage of the legislative process and will require further consideration by Congress to potentially become law.
- Has S. 3236 become law?
- Not yet. As of 9 Jul 2008, S. 3236 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 3236?
- S. 3236 was sponsored by Sen. Mitch McConnell [R-KY] (Republican-KY), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3236?
- Introduced (9 Jul 2008).
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