Ask Your Representative to vote to delay the return of 2% Medicare sequestration and waive PAYGO
Ask Your Representative to vote to delay the return of 2% Medicare sequestration and waive PAYGO
Advocacy Opportunity:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, lawmakers paused the 2% Medicare sequestration reduction until December 31, 2020. As a result of the lobbying from PPS and other stakeholders, in December 2020 Congress delayed reinstating the Medicare sequester through April 1, 2021.
On Tuesday March 16th, the House will be voting on whether or not to delay the return of 2% Medicare sequestration and waive PAYGO requirements that could impact Medicare reimbursement. Let your Representative know how important it is for them to vote YES, and that doing so will protect your economically fragile business.
If you are on social media, tweet or create facebook post tagging your legislator and use #PPSAdvocacy. Template tweet: “Vote YES to delay return of 2% Medicare sequestration and waive PAYGO so I can continue providing cost effective physical therapy and maintain a vital business in our community. [@Representative twitter handle] #PPSAdvocacy”
New to engaging with your lawmaker or need a refresher? Check out these tips for advocacy.For information on PPS’s legislative priorities and activities, visit the Advocacy section at www.ppsapta.org
Thank you. Your efforts can make a difference!
TEMPLATE:
Subject line: My patients need physical therapy. Delay return of 2% Medicare sequestration and waive PAYGO so I can stay in business.
Dear Representative ____________,
This past year my practice has been juggling the economic impact of both the COVID-19 public health emergency and cuts to Medicare reimbursement. If reinstating the 2% Medicare sequestration cut is not delayed, on April 1 Medicare payment for PT will be reduced to -5.6% when compared to April 2020. We also cannot afford any additional cuts to Medicare, so it is crucial that the PAYGO requirement be waived.
I am a physical therapist in private practice and a member of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Along with the therapists and support staff I employ in your district, my outpatient clinic is a vital small business and an important part of our local economy.
Our community-based physical therapy clinic received PPP loans, used tax credits, and have benefitted from the favorable tax treatments that have been provided in the American Rescue Plan Act and the proceeding COVID-19 relief bills. These policies have enabled us to remain a viable small business and keep providing patients with access to safe, cost-effective physical therapy throughout the public health emergency. However, our clinic is still navigating economic challenges.
Please vote to delay return of 2% Medicare sequestration and waive PAYGO so I can continue providing cost effective physical therapy and maintain a vital business in our community. On behalf of myself and PPS, I make this request so that our physical therapy clinic can keep its doors open—to not only serve our patients but also to provide jobs in our town.
Thank you,
[Name/Info generated via APTA online form]