US Congress Senate Bill 829 (Prior Session Legislation)

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Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: Introduced on March 23 2015 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2015-03-23 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Pending: Senate Finance Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2015 This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall designate and approve independent accreditation organizations that apply quality standards for suppliers only if they are Boards for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification or essentially equivalent programs. Special payment rules for certain prosthetics and custom-fabricated orthotics are extended to custom-fitted orthotics. Such rules do not apply, however, to off-the-shelf orthotics furnished on or after January 1, 2016, which are included in a competitive acquisition program. Decisions about Medicare coverage of orthotics and prosthetics on or after January 1, 2016, must take into account the complexity of the item as well as supplier qualifications (which do not apply, however, to physicians, occupational therapists, or physical therapists state-licensed to provide such items). Documentation created by an orthotist or prosthetist is considered part of the patient's medical record. Requirements for suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics are separated from those for suppliers of durable medical equipment. Orthotists and prosthetists must have a supplier number for Medicare payment to be made. Patients are not liable for payment of furnished orthotics or prosthetics where payment may not be made or where payment is denied. Only the orthotists or prosthetists are liable in such circumstances. Only the patient may make the minimal self-adjustment required to qualify off-the-shelf orthotics for Medicare coverage in a competitive acquisition program.

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2015

Sen. Chuck Grassley [R-IA]

Sen. Mark Warner [D-VA]

Date	Chamber	Action
2015-03-23	Senate	Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

HB1530 (Related) 2015-04-07 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Type	Source
Summary	https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/829/all-info
Text	https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s829/BILLS-114s829is.pdf