To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a permanent increase in payment amounts under the Medicare Program for home health services furnished in rural areas.

January 29, 2003

Mr. STUPAK introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a permanent increase in payment amounts under the Medicare Program for home health services furnished in rural areas.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. PERMANENT INCREASE FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES FURNISHED IN A RURAL AREA.

Section 1895(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395fff(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

`(7) INCREASE FOR RURAL AREAS- In the case of home health services furnished in a rural area (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D)) on or after April 1, 2003, the payment amount otherwise made under this subsection for such services shall be increased by 10 percent.'.

END