Bill coming to help home health providers cover gas costs

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Senator Tim Johnson says he will introduce a bill to allow home health care providers hit by soaring Gas Prices to be reimbursed for their rising costs.

The two-term Democrat says he wants Medicare reimbursement rates changed back to a cost-based plan covering the true cost of the service provided.

He says cost-based payments would allow home health care providers to receive a settlement payment at the end of the year for the actual cost and would be easier and fairer.

In Johnson's words: "This will close the gap between the current Medicare reimbursement and rising gas prices." The senator says he doesn't know how much more it would cost over the current fixed-payment system but that he doesn't think it would be very much in the grand scheme of things.

Johnson says the bill should be introduced soon.

By AP Writer Dennis Gale.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-12-08 1603CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list