WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Pat Tiberi (R-OH) issued the following statements after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its annual proposed rates and policies for Medicare hospitals and other providers:

“I’m pleased to see the Trump Administration move forward with many of the policies in the 21^st Century Cures Act that will deliver much-needed regulatory relief to hospitals and other health care providers,” Chairman Brady said. “In addition to reducing red tape and increasing flexibility, this rule advances our ‘Better Way’ proposals that will help strengthen the Medicare program. These are important steps that will improve access to quality, affordable care—especially for our seniors and most vulnerable patients. I look forward to further reviewing CMS’ proposal and working with the Administration to preserve this critical program and help hospitals better serve the people in our communities.”  

“This rule will help provide the flexibility hospitals need to treat some of our sickest patients,” Chairman Tiberi said. “I am grateful that CMS built off of the provision I championed in the 21^st Century Cures Act to further delay the so-called ‘25-percent rule’ for Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs). This action will help ensure those suffering from severe illnesses and injuries have access to the care they need.”

Background: The Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System are released annually. CMS’ proposed payment rule includes implementation of several key policies included in 21^st Century Cures Act, which was signed into law at the end of last year. In addition, CMS’ proposed payment rule includes policies that were a part of House Republicans’ A Better Way agenda, such as collection of S-10 data for purposes of more equitably reimbursing uncompensated care. CMS will accept comments until June 13, 2017 and the final regulation will be posted no later than August 1, 2017.