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The chairmen of the three committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced legislation to reform the health care system. H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, would require insurance companies to provide a basic benefit package that includes coverage of habilitative services and a pediatric hearing benefit to include services, equipment and supplies for children under the age of 21. ASHA has been working with Congress to ensure comprehensive pediatric coverage of speech-language pathology and audiology services in the context of health care reform.
Highlights of the 1,000 page bill include a two-year extension to the therapy cap exceptions process and changes to the formula used to calculate yearly updates to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The bill also calls for increased efforts to enhance quality and efficiency in the delivery of health care services. And it places an increased emphasis on wellness and prevention. There are, however, several controversial measures in the bill, including a public health plan option and also a tax on the wealthiest Americans to pay for the legislation.
The legislation was developed by the three House committees of jurisdiction (Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor) and addresses reforms to both private health insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs. All three committees have announced their intentions to begin consideration of the legislation this week with votes in each committee by the end of next week. The entire House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill before Congress adjourns for their August recess.
For additional information on Congressional actions related to health care reform, please contact Ingrida Lusis, ASHA's Director of Federal and Political Advocacy, at ilusis@asha.org or by phone at 202-624-5951.
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