Ensign Bill Provides Relief to Seniors

ENSIGN BILL PROVIDES RELIEF TO SENIORS

Senator John Ensign introduced legislation today that would provide greater access for Medicare recipients to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services. The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2005 would repeal the Medicare beneficiary therapy caps that prevent many seniors from receiving therapy.

"It is irresponsible to set an arbitrary cap on how much therapy a Medicare beneficiary can receive," said Ensign. "It ignores the health needs of our senior population—especially the oldest and sickest. That is why I call on my colleagues to repeal this cap now—before Medicare beneficiaries begin paying the price for our inaction."

A recent study found that, in one year, almost 650,000 Medicare beneficiaries would have had their physical, occupational or speech-language therapy benefits prematurely ended because of the cap.

"Therapy is crucial for the successful rehabilitation of seniors suffering from conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease and congenital heart failure. Whatever limits are placed on their therapy options are also placed on their chances for recovery."

Congress has already shown its opposition to this arbitrary cap by placing a moratorium on enforcement of the cap in 1999, 2000 and 2003. The latest moratorium will expire on January 1, 2006. Without congressional action, the beneficiary cap on therapy services will be effective again in less than a year. Cosponsors of Ensign's legislation include Senators Lincoln, Hagel, Murray, Bingaman, Corzine, Johnson, Hatch and Collins

http://ensign.senate.gov/media/record.cfm?id=232328&