Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Representatives Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH) and John Larson (D-CT) and Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Outpatient Surgery Quality and Access Act,bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help Medicare beneficiaries access affordable outpatient surgical care. This billwould close the reimbursement gap, eliminate copay penalties for Medicare beneficiaries, and reduce other barriers standing between patients and affordable, quality care. Ambulatory Surgery Centers offer low cost outpatient services, but restrictions and reimbursement rules currently limit seniors’ access to these centers and add to the cost burden.
"As a surgeon, I understand how important it is that patients receive the care they need. Ambulatory surgical centers play an important role in providing this care and this bill will improve access to these vital facilities,”said Rep. Wenstrup, D.P.M.
"I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce this legislation to expand access to outpatient surgical care, saving Connecticut residents and Americans across the country valuable dollars. This bill is another step in ensuring quality and accessible care, while ensuring seniors’ tax dollars are spent wisely,” said Rep. Larson.
"Seniors deserve the best care possible. Our bill provides quality care for patients at a better value to the taxpayer by increasing Medicare access to ambulatory surgical centers,”said Senator Cassidy, M.D.
"Patients shouldn’t be charged more for a procedure just because it was performed by an outpatient provider. The current restrictions on Ambulatory Surgery Centers are an unnecessary burden – limiting seniors’ access to care and driving up health care costs,” said Senator Blumenthal. "Our bill will ensure patients have access to the quality care they deserve and save taxpayers money.
Click here to read full text of the bill. The Senate introduced a similar version of the legislation.
