Letter from the Prez

A commentator recently noted that, "Quality healthcare, like most things, begins at home... but it sometimes ends in Washington." As we all know, there are many decisions made by our elected officials that directly impact the quality of healthcare, and Wright & Filippis, along with the American Association for Homecare, has worked diligently this past year to ensure that the needs of our patients are protected.

There were a few accomplishments made in 2007 with the passage of a Medicare bill that does not include major reimbursement cuts to the Home Medical Equipment Benefit. Throughout 2007, threats of further cuts loomed over the industry – and, ultimately, home healthcare patients – beginning with the President's proposed 2008 federal budget which included proposals to cap oxygen reimbursement at 13 months and eliminate the first-month purchase option for power wheelchairs.

In late December, the bill S.2499 was passed. The bill amends titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act to extend provisions under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP programs. This is a short-term "fix" to the reimbursement cut for doctors that was scheduled to take effect in January of 2008. The bill was passed by both chambers of Congress and has been signed by the President.

The fight to protect the services provided by Wright & Filippis is not over. Our industry is likely to face the same issues and possibly more proposals that will greatly impact home healthcare after the 2008 elections. For now, we can be proud of our efforts – remember we must be diligent in preventing further cuts that are being considered. Thank you to all who contacted their Representatives and Senators concerning these issues. Please stay tuned as we see what is on the horizon. We may need your help in the future to protect the quality healthcare all Medicare recipients deserve.

Sincerely,
A.J. Filippis