APTQI Endorses Bipartisan Legislation Extending Sequester Relief for Medicare Providers

Therapy leaders commend introduction of Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act

Washington, D.C. –– The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) today applauded introduction of the Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act (H.R. 315). Introduced by Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and David McKinley (R-WV), the bipartisan bill would provide critical relief to specialty providers by extending the current moratorium on the automatic 2% Medicare sequester cut for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).

“Since enacted, the suspension of the broad 2% Medicare sequester cut has been an indispensable pillar of support for physical and occupational therapy providers, who have grappled with enormous financial and operational challenges throughout the pandemic,” said Nikesh Patel, PT, Executive Director of APTQI. “The Biden Administration has already signaled its intention to keep the current COVID public health emergency in effect through the end of 2021. Extending the sequester relief through the duration of the PHE is a commonsense solution that will provide stability to the physical therapy community and all Medicare providers who continue to struggle amid the COVID-19 crisis.”

Originally implemented as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the suspension of the 2% Medicare sequester cut was initially slated to last through December 31, 2020. However, during the closing days of the 116th Congress, lawmakers again voted to extend the sequester suspension to March 31, 2021. With the current suspension set to expire at the end of the month, H.R. 315 represents a crucial relief valve that will protect continued access to patient care for American seniors.

“We applaud Representatives Schneider and McKinley for recognizing the importance of extending relief to our nation’s Medicare providers and urge their colleagues in the U.S. House to support this urgent piece of legislation,” Patel concluded.

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