Episode 48

full
Published on:

19th Mar 2024

Ep 48: Spring 2024 Amplify OT and Healthcare Advocacy Updates

Spring 2024 Amplify OT and Healthcare Advocacy Updates

2023 was a big year for passing healthcare legislation. A lot of what came through Congress in 2023 is starting to be implemented early in 2024, impacting OT in a big way. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about OT advocacy updates for spring 2024. 

Join the Amplify OT Membership

As an exclusive bonus for podcast listeners, you can join the Amplify OT Membership at any time! Join today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy.


In this episode, I cover:

  • With the passing of the 2022 Omnibus Bill, Congress established a new Medicare mental health benefit known as the intensive outpatient program (IOP)
  • With the passing of the Lymphedema Treatment Act in 2022, Medicare Part B will now cover standard and custom-fitted lymphedema compression treatment items for each affected body part for patients with lymphedema.
  • CMS rolled out new Caregiver Training codes that can be used as of January 1, 2024. This is the first time OT practitioners can be reimbursed for services that do not directly involve a service provided directly to the client. 
  • In a rare turn of events, CMS is increasing Medicare Part A payments to home health agencies by 0.8% in 2024, equating to $140 million.
  • Home health will see some changes to their quality reporting program and value-based purchasing in addition to the payment increase.
  • OT services paid for under Medicare Part B will face a 3.37% decrease compared to 2023. 
  • For 2024, the updated KX Modifier therapy threshold is $2,330 for OT and $2,330 for physical and speech therapy services combined.
  • General supervision of OTAs in private practice was unexpectedly extended until the end of Calendar Year 2024.
  • Aetna is delaying the implementation of the OTA payment differential from December 2023 to March 2024.
  • The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 confirmed telehealth coverage in hospital-based outpatient clinics for therapy under the Medicare Physician Fee schedule through December 31, 2024.


For more information and resources, check out the full blog post related to this episode: https://amplifyot.com/2024-policy-and-advocacy-updates-for-occupational-therapy/ 


2024 is a big year. Not only will we be voting for a new president, but we’ll also be voting on ⅓ of the Senate and all of the House of Representatives. To stay up to date and support advocacy efforts, become an AOTA and Amplify OT member. 


Amplify OT Resources

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com/Services to see what resources we have available!



CLICK HERE to save 40% off Medbridge Today!



CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:


LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Members, sign up before March 30th and get $75 off!

Interested in joining the summit as a speaker? Send your CV/ Resume and a brief outline of your proposed topic to summit@amplifyot.com 






©Amplify OT

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Amplify OT Membership

As a exclusive bonus for podcast listeners, you can join the Amplify OT Membership at any time! Join today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy.

Join the Membership Today

Show artwork for The Amplify OT Podcast

About the Podcast

The Amplify OT Podcast
Learn about insurance and billing… but in a fun way that makes sense.
Welcome to the Amplify OT Podcast. I’m Clarice Grote and I’m the host of the Amplify OT Podcast. I’m an occupational therapist by trade and a policy wonk by choice. The Amplify OT Podcast is where we break down healthcare policy and legislation to help you not only survive but thrive in this crazy US healthcare system. So, let's dive in!

Learn more about Amplify OT at www.amplifyot.com

About your host

Profile picture for Clarice Grote

Clarice Grote

Clarice Grorte is an occupational therapist and lived the transformation from guessing to confident by learning to understand policy.

She's the creator of The Amplify OT Podcast, Mastering OT Policy & Medicare™, and the Amplify OT Membership™.

She is passionate about spreading the word on the value of occupational therapy and proving to OTs and OTAs that they already have the skills the need to be amazing OT advocates