Cuts to Medicare Reimbursements for Bad Debt Being Considered by Congress

Medicare reimbursements for bad debt would be cut under a proposed provision in the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), legislation currently being worked on by Congress.

You can help by avoid these cuts by calling 866-876-6286 (follow the simple prompts) and telling your legislators oppose cuts to Medicare reimbursements to nursing homes and providers of other long-term services and supports.

What to tell Congress

1. Don't put Medicare cuts to nursing homes or other long-term care providers into H.R. 3630.
   
2. I am especially concerned about proposed cuts in Medicare payments to nursing homes that cover the losses from uncollectable bad debt.
   
3. This proposal has no justification. Most bad debt results from states' refusal to cover copayments and other beneficiary responsibilities for nursing home residents who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
   
4. Nursing homes have no recourse against states that refuse to cover these costs.
   
5. Cuts to reimbursement for bad debt would add to other significant cuts nursing homes and other providers already have experienced. Medicare payments to nursing homes were cut by 11% this year. Medicaid payments, which cover the vast majority of nursing home residents, have been cut back substantially in most states.
   
6. We cannot absorb more cuts. Enough is enough.

We strongly oppose this provision and we are urging Congress exclude it in the bill's final language. The aging-services field has already seen tremendous cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.

Enough Is Enough!