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APTA calls on Congress to forgo therapy cap

Rehab Regs, September 30, 2005

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) once again called for Congress to step in and change legislation that would implement a therapy cap of $1,750. The current moratorium on the cap is set to expire December 31, which would allow CMS to set two caps on rehab benefits, one for physical therapy and speech therapy and a separate one for occupational therapy. APTA hopes Congress will at least extend the moratorium so senior citizens and people with disabilities won't have to choose between paying for necessary care out of pocket and halting the therapy.

"The therapy cap discriminates against Medicare beneficiaries who are in the most need of physical therapy services," said APTA president Ben F. Massey, Jr., in a press release. "Patients with stroke, hip fracture, Parkinson disease or any other condition that requires extensive rehabilitation are most likely to be affected by this short-sighted Medicare policy."

Congress has already delayed the cap three times, and APTA hopes members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives will pass the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2005, which would repeal the cap. APTA is urging its members to contact their state's representatives about blocking the therapy cap.

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