The Federal Group, Inc.

News

Washington, D.C. - October 13, 2009 - The Senate Finance Committee, under the guidance of Chairman Max Baucus of Montana, concluded months of work and weeks of Committee consideration on legislation to overall the nation's health insurance system. By a vote of 14 to 9, the Committee passed the bill out of Committee. It will now be combined with a bill completed several months ago by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee and taken to the Senate floor in the coming week. Debate is expected to last for several weeks in the full Senate.

The Federal Group is proud to announce that several provisions were included in the Senate Finance Committee bill that had been sought by clients. The Federal Group is particularly pleased with the Committee's adoption of two amendments that represent major victories for our clients in the Senate bill. The first amendment, offered by Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota during Committee proceedings on October 2nd, would increase the reimbursement rate of certified nurse-midwives by 35% under the Medicare program, creating equity with other health care professionals. The House reform bill contains an identical provision.

The second amendment, offered by Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas during Committee proceedings on September 29th, would allow for testing of efficient models in the delivery of outpatient services (such as physical therapy) under Medicare without the requirement of a referral or plan of care from a physician or other health professional. Such a model has been found to diminish costs and improve access to physical therapy services for patients within private health insurance plans.

Much work lays ahead for both the House and Senate before health care reform legislation is completed, but a major hurdle was crossed today with the passage of Chairman Baucus' bill by the Senate Finance Committee.

About The Federal Group, Inc.
The Federal Group, Inc. is a government relations firm located blocks from the U.S. Capitol that specializes in health care, education, economic development, tax, and other federal policy areas.