Balanced Budget Act: Implementation of Key Medicare Mandates Must Evolve toFulfill Congressional Objectives. Statement of William J. Scanlon, Director, Health Financing and Systems Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services Division

摘要

Im am pleased to be here today to discuss the Health Care FinancingAdministration's (HCFA) implementation of Medicare provisions contained in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA). Taken together, the more than 200 BBA Medicare mandates amount to what are probably the most significant modifications to the pogram since its inception 30 years ago. For example, the new Medicare+Choice provisions of BBA will enable beneficiaries to enroll in different types of health plans previously excluded from the Medicare program, while the introduction of prospective payment systems will alter how reimbursements are made to skilled nursing facilities (SNF), home health agencies, hospitals outpatient departments, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. To prepare this testimony, the authors analyzed HCFA reports that track the implementation of BBA mandates and discussed their status with HCFA officials.