WASHINGTON >> Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) introduced H.R. 2599, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017. This legislation will provide much needed protections for Medicare beneficiaries and other patients receiving prosthetic and orthotic services.
“Medicare beneficiaries in need of prosthetic and orthotic services deserve to know they’re getting the very best care,” Mike Thompson said. Keeping fraudulent providers out of Medicare will ensure patients get the treatment they deserve, and has the added benefit of reducing costs.”
The Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017 intends to strengthen the quality of care while reducing costs within the Medicare program. The Benefits Improvement and Protection Act (BIPA), which was signed into law in 2000, mandated that a “practitioner” or “supplier” had to be certified in order to be paid for certain orthotic and prosthetic services under Medicare.
However, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has not enforced these provisions since their enactment. This has led to an uptick of fraudulent payment to unlicensed providers, leaving Medicare patients vulnerable to substandard, and in some cases nonexistent, care.
“As a former recreational therapist and licensed nursing home administrator, I understand the challenges that those who have suffered serious injuries are facing,” GT Thompson said. “It is our duty to ensure these individuals are not being subjected to further hardships and financial burdens as a result of fraud in the O&P sector.”
