Good News for Medicare Recipients:

Hard Cap on Outpatient PT and OT Repealed

The recent Federal budget agreement, passed on February 9, 2018, not only keeps the U.S. government running for another six weeks, but provides two years’ worth of funding for numerous healthcare-related programs, and includes provisions that permanently repeal Medicare caps on outpatient therapies and other rehabilitation services.

The permanent repeal means the end to a 20-year-long battle—and a new era for Medicare recipients, who will enjoy the same access as other patients to physical and occupational therapy, as well as speech-language pathology services.

SOURCE: Congressional Budget Office

What does this mean for you and your access to PT or OT?

If you’re covered by Medicare, each year you have an allowed amount to use for physical therapy and a separate amount for occupational therapy. For 2018, this is $2,010 for each. Before the repeal there were no benefits accessible after you reached the $2,010. Now Medicare recipients can access additional qualifying care up to $3,000.