STEPHEN HOVEN

Maintaining appropriate Medicare reimbursements and Medicaid support for hospitals and other health care providers. Supported the ACE Kids Act, HR 4930. Advocate for the Extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), S 2461.

Maintaining appropriate Medicare reimbursements and Medicaid support for hospitals and other health care providers. Supported the ACE Kids Act, HR 4930. Advocate for the Extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), S 2461.

Supported the Stark Administrative Simplification Act (H.R. 3776). Maintaining appropriate Medicare reimbursements and Medicaid support for hospitals and other health care providers. Supported the ACE Kids Act (H.R. 4930)

Maintaining appropriate Medicare reimbursements and Medicaid support for hospitals and other health care providers. Supported the ACE Kids Act, HR 4930. Advocate for the Extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), S 2461.

Maintaining appropriate Medicare reimbursements and Medicaid support for hospitals and other health care providers. Supported the ACE Kids Act, HR 4930. Advocate for the Extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), S 2461.

Maintaining appropriate Medicare reimbursements and Medicaid support for hospitals and other health care providers. Supported the ACE Kids Act, HR 4930. Advocate for the Extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), S 2461.

Maintaining appropriate Medicare reimbursements and Medicaid support for hospitals and other health care providers. Supported the ACE Kids Act, HR 4930. Advocate for the Extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), S 2461.

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/H.R. 1263; S.153, H.R.274; S.162, H.R.401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment Program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursements.Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S. 2012; H.R. 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/H.R. 1263; S.153, H.R.274; S.162, H.R.401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment Program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursements.Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S. 2012; H.R. 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/H.R. 1263; S.153, H.R.274; S.162, H.R.401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment Program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursements.Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S. 2012; H.R. 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/H.R. 1263; S.153, H.R.274; S.162, H.R.401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment Program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursements.Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S. 2012; H.R. 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/H.R. 1263; S.153, H.R.274; S.162, H.R.401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment Program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursements.Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S. 2012; H.R. 1250)

Supported S. 264/H.R. 1263; S.153, H.R.274; S.162, H.R.401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment Program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursements.Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S. 2012; H.R. 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/H.R. 1263; S.153, H.R.274; S.162, H.R.401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment Program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursements.Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S. 2012; H.R. 1250)

Supported S. 264/H.R. 1263; S.153, H.R.274; S.162, H.R.401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment Program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursements.Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S. 2012; H.R. 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Supported S. 264/HR 1263; S 153, HR 274; S 162, HR 401 regarding mental health; Supported extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital Program, Low Volume Adjustment program (for Medicare); Supported the Critical Access Hospital Program and other rural hospital porograms; Opposed reductions to Home Health reimbursement. Opposed continued Medicare sequestration cuts Supported mental health legislation generally Supported SGR Physician payment fix that does NOT reduce hospital payments Supported legislation reforming the Recovery Audit Contractor Program (S 2012; HR 1250)

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2011, HR1543 and S818, supported. Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012, HR5943 and S2620, supported. Advocated for appropriate wage indexing and low-volume adjustment factors. Proposed Rulemaking on Preventive Services, CMS-9968-ANPRM, supported the repeal of the contraceptive mandateor to modify the definition of religious employer to include religious sponsored hospitals. Supported measures to ensure appropriate reimbursement for hospital and other health care services.

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2011, HR1543 and S818, supported. Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012, HR5943 and S2620, supported. Advocated for appropriate wage indexing and low-volume adjustment factors. Proposed Rulemaking on Preventive Services, CMS-9968-ANPRM, supported the repeal of the contraceptive mandateor to modify the definition of religious employer to include religious sponsored hospitals. Supported measures to ensure appropriate reimbursement for hospital and other health care services.

Palliative Care & Hospice Education and Training Act, HR6155/S3407; Rural Hospital Access Act, S2620; Extension of Medicare Dependent Hospital Program and other rural hospital programs; Urban Hospital Designation/Hospital Wage Index; Appropriate reimbursements for health care services under Medicare and adequate support for Medicaid and childrens health care services.

Home health care access protection act, S. 3315 Home health care access protection act, H.R. 5803 Appropriations for St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City; St. Marys Hospital, Janesville, WI; St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo, WI Electronic health record incentives for multi-campus hospitals act of 2010, S. 3708 Electronic health record incentives for multi-campus hospitals act of 2010, H.R. 6072 Opposed recommendations of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform not to fund the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program.

Supported legislation to ensure that multiple hospitals with common provider numbers received separate electronic health record reimbursements (S. 3708 and H.R. 6072) and that the home health agencies are not arbitrarily reduced in their reimbursements (S.3315 and H.R. 5803).

Supported legislation to ensure that multiple hospitals with common provider numbers received separate electronic health record reimbursements (S. 3708 and H.R. 6072) and that the home health agencies are not arbitrarily reduced in their reimbursements (S.3315 and H.R. 5803).

Home health care access protection act, S. 3315 Home health care access protection act, H.R. 5803 Appropriations for St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City; St. Marys Hospital, Janesville, WI; St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo, WI Electronic health record incentives for multi-campus hospitals act of 2010, S. 3708 Electronic health record incentives for multi-campus hospitals act of 2010, H.R. 6072 Opposed recommendations of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform not to fund the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program.

Supported legislation to ensure that multiple hospitals with common provider numbers received separate electronic health record reimbursements (S. 3708 and H.R. 6072) and that the home health agencies are not arbitrarily reduced in their reimbursements (S.3315 and H.R. 5803).

Home health care access protection act, S. 3315 Home health care access protection act, H.R. 5803 Appropriations for St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City; St. Marys Hospital, Janesville, WI; St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo, WI Electronic health record incentives for multi-campus hospitals act of 2010, S. 3708 Electronic health record incentives for multi-campus hospitals act of 2010, H.R. 6072 Opposed recommendations of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform not to fund the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program.

Home health care access protection act, S. 3315 Home health care access protection act, H.R. 5803 Appropriations for St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City; St. Marys Hospital, Janesville, WI; St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo, WI Electronic health record incentives for multi-campus hospitals act of 2010, S. 3708 Electronic health record incentives for multi-campus hospitals act of 2010, H.R. 6072 Opposed recommendations of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform not to fund the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program.

Supported legislation to ensure that multiple hospitals with common provider numbers received separate electronic health record reimbursements (S. 3708 and H.R. 6072) and that the home health agencies are not arbitrarily reduced in their reimbursements (S.3315 and H.R. 5803).

H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 Supported changes to the "Sustainable Growth Rate" physician payment reduction to avoid the 21%+ reduction proposed for physician payments--in various bills as they were proposed.Supported Congressionally Directed Spending items for Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma.

H.Con.Res. 312, "Concurrent resolution on the budget," --specifically a pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory in St. Louis, MO --specifically a chest pain center in Richmond Heights, MO H.Con.Res. 312, "Concurrent resolution on the budget," --specifically an electronic medication administration system in Fenton, MO --specifically a daVinci Robotic Surgical system in Bridgeton, MO --specifically enhanced health care security in Lake Saint Louis, MO --specifically a hydrotherapy unit in Maryville, MO --specifically a digital mammography unit in Jefferson City, MO --specifically a radiology/fluoroscopy unit in Centralia, IL --specifically a breast cancer center in Baraboo, WI --specifically a CT scanner for a satellite emergency room in Sun Prairie, WI --specifically a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for a wound care center in Oklahoma City, OK --specifically a system for rural health information exchange in Oklahoma City, OK

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

Opposing "Freedom of Choice Act," HR 1964, S 1173, because it does not ensure the exercise of conscience by health care providers in abortion services. Opposing Trailblazer, the fiscal intermediary in the state of Oklahoma, determination that numerous instances of behavioral health care for juveniles did not qualify for disproportionate share payment by Medicare.

Opposing "Freedom of Choice Act," HR 1964, S 1173, because it does not ensure the exercise of conscience by health care providers in abortion services. Opposing Trailblazer, the fiscal intermediary in the state of Oklahoma, determination that numerous instances of behavioral health care for juveniles did not qualify for disproportionate share payments by Medicare.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

*S.1605, "Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2007," specifically advocated on behalf of rural hospitals and health providers. *S.3101, "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," specifically to support eliminating reduction in physician reimbursements and to postpone full implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. S.3118, " Preserving Access to Medicare Act of 2008," specifically to support Medicare funding for home health and related services. S.4565, "Physician owned specialty hospitals," specifically opposing such hospitals. *H.R.6331, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," specifically to support eliminating reduction in physician reimbursements and to postpone full implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. S.0000, "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009," specifically appropriations for Hybrid Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, St. Louis, MO; Replacement Radiology/Fluoroscopy Room, St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, IL; Breast Cancer Care Center, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, Baraboo, WI; CT Scanner, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI (Satellite Emergency Center, Sun Prairie, WI); Rural Health Information Exchange, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK. H.R.0000, "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009," specifically appropriations for specifically Chest Pain Center, St. Mary's Health Center, Richmond Heights, MO; DaVinci Robotic Surgery System, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, MO; Medication Administration System, St. Clare Health Center, Fenton, MO; Patient Safety Enhancements, St. Joseph West Hospital, Lake Saint Louis, MO; SwimEx Aquatic Therapy System, St. Francis Hospital and Health Services, Maryville, MO; Digital Mammography Unit, St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City, MO; Replacement Radiology/Fluoroscopy Room, St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, IL; Breast Cancer Care Center, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, Baraboo, WI; CT Scanner, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI (Satellite Emergency Center, Sun Prairie, WI); Rural Health Information Exchange, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK; Wound Care Center, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK.

Opposing "Freedom of Choice Act," HR 1964, S 1173, because it does not ensure the exercise of conscience by health care providers in abortion services. Opposing Trailblazer, the fiscal intermediary in the state of Oklahoma, determination that numerous instances of behavioral health care for juveniles did not qualify for disproportionate share payment by Medicare.

Opposing "Freedom of Choice Act," HR 1964, S 1173, because it does not ensure the exercise of conscience by health care providers in abortion services. Opposing Trailblazer, the fiscal intermediary in the state of Oklahoma, determination that numerous instances of behavioral health care for juveniles did not qualify for disproportionate share payments by Medicare.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

*S.1605, "Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2007," specifically advocated on behalf of rural hospitals and health providers. *S.3101, "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," specifically to support eliminating reduction in physician reimbursements and to postpone full implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. S.3118, " Preserving Access to Medicare Act of 2008," specifically to support Medicare funding for home health and related services. S.4565, "Physician owned specialty hospitals," specifically opposing such hospitals. *H.R.6331, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," specifically to support eliminating reduction in physician reimbursements and to postpone full implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. S.0000, "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009," specifically appropriations for Hybrid Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, St. Louis, MO; Replacement Radiology/Fluoroscopy Room, St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, IL; Breast Cancer Care Center, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, Baraboo, WI; CT Scanner, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI (Satellite Emergency Center, Sun Prairie, WI); Rural Health Information Exchange, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK. H.R.0000, "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009," specifically appropriations for specifically Chest Pain Center, St. Mary's Health Center, Richmond Heights, MO; DaVinci Robotic Surgery System, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, MO; Medication Administration System, St. Clare Health Center, Fenton, MO; Patient Safety Enhancements, St. Joseph West Hospital, Lake Saint Louis, MO; SwimEx Aquatic Therapy System, St. Francis Hospital and Health Services, Maryville, MO; Digital Mammography Unit, St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City, MO; Replacement Radiology/Fluoroscopy Room, St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, IL; Breast Cancer Care Center, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, Baraboo, WI; CT Scanner, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI (Satellite Emergency Center, Sun Prairie, WI); Rural Health Information Exchange, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK; Wound Care Center, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

*S.1605, "Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2007," specifically advocated on behalf of rural hospitals and health providers. *S.3101, "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," specifically to support eliminating reduction in physician reimbursements and to postpone full implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. S.3118, " Preserving Access to Medicare Act of 2008," specifically to support Medicare funding for home health and related services. S.4565, "Physician owned specialty hospitals," specifically opposing such hospitals. *H.R.6331, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," specifically to support eliminating reduction in physician reimbursements and to postpone full implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. S.0000, "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009," specifically appropriations for Hybrid Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, St. Louis, MO; Replacement Radiology/Fluoroscopy Room, St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, IL; Breast Cancer Care Center, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, Baraboo, WI; CT Scanner, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI (Satellite Emergency Center, Sun Prairie, WI); Rural Health Information Exchange, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK. H.R.0000, "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009," specifically appropriations for specifically Chest Pain Center, St. Mary's Health Center, Richmond Heights, MO; DaVinci Robotic Surgery System, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, MO; Medication Administration System, St. Clare Health Center, Fenton, MO; Patient Safety Enhancements, St. Joseph West Hospital, Lake Saint Louis, MO; SwimEx Aquatic Therapy System, St. Francis Hospital and Health Services, Maryville, MO; Digital Mammography Unit, St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City, MO; Replacement Radiology/Fluoroscopy Room, St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, IL; Breast Cancer Care Center, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, Baraboo, WI; CT Scanner, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI (Satellite Emergency Center, Sun Prairie, WI); Rural Health Information Exchange, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK; Wound Care Center, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK.

*S.1605, "Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2007," specifically advocated on behalf of rural hospitals and health providers. *S.3101, "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," specifically to support eliminating reduction in physician reimbursements and to postpone full implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. S.3118, " Preserving Access to Medicare Act of 2008," specifically to support Medicare funding for home health and related services. S.4565, "Physician owned specialty hospitals," specifically opposing such hospitals. *H.R.6331, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," specifically to support eliminating reduction in physician reimbursements and to postpone full implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. S.0000, "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009," specifically appropriations for Hybrid Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, St. Louis, MO; Replacement Radiology/Fluoroscopy Room, St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, IL; Breast Cancer Care Center, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, Baraboo, WI; CT Scanner, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI (Satellite Emergency Center, Sun Prairie, WI); Rural Health Information Exchange, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK. H.R.0000, "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009," specifically appropriations for specifically Chest Pain Center, St. Mary's Health Center, Richmond Heights, MO; DaVinci Robotic Surgery System, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, MO; Medication Administration System, St. Clare Health Center, Fenton, MO; Patient Safety Enhancements, St. Joseph West Hospital, Lake Saint Louis, MO; SwimEx Aquatic Therapy System, St. Francis Hospital and Health Services, Maryville, MO; Digital Mammography Unit, St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City, MO; Replacement Radiology/Fluoroscopy Room, St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, IL; Breast Cancer Care Center, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, Baraboo, WI; CT Scanner, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI (Satellite Emergency Center, Sun Prairie, WI); Rural Health Information Exchange, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK; Wound Care Center, St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.

H.R.1459 and S.543, "To improve Medicare beneficiary to inpatient rehabilitation facilities," specifically to establish the criteria in HCFA Ruling 85-2, of July 31, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31040), as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services for inpatient rehabilitation. H.R.4105, "To impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program," while supporting initiatives to ensure accountability in the Medicare program, the processes used by CMS and its contractors need to be reviewed to be sure that those processes are accurately identifying inappropriate claims No bill number at this time, support legislation that would enhance the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act of 1989 (the "Stark" law) to include physician ownership in a "whole" hospital S.458 and H.R. 1105, "physician pathology services under the Medicare program," specifically to extend the authority, currently expiring on June 30, 2008, to make direct payments to independent labs for the technical component of pathology services. H.R. 1177, "to extend and improve protections for sole community hospitals under the Medicare Program," specifically to extend the outpatient prospective payment system hold harmless provision and to permit the use of a more current cost reporting year to allow redetermination of hospital target amounts. S.630 and H.R. 2159, "to provide for a minimum payment rate by Medicare Advantage organizations for services furnished by a critical access hospital and a rural health clinic under the Medicare program," specifically to allow critical access hospitals to receive at least 101 percent of their costs for inpatient, swing-bed and outpatient hospital services S.2786, "Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement," specifically to extend th 5 percent bonus payment to physicians practicing in provider scarcity areas (critical access, sole community provider, and Medicare dependent or low-volume areas). H.R. 1845 and S.1428, "to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program," specifically to adopt language that would allow hospital owned durable medical equipment companies that are willing to accept the competitive bid rate to provide durable medical equipment to patients upon discharge. S.1595, "flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program" specifically in favor of such increased flexibility.