Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03), Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03), Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07), and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would permanently remove Medicare’s cap on outpatient therapy. By repealing this arbitrary and dated cap, the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act ensures seniors receive the care that they need.

In 1997, Congress placed an annual cap of $1,940 on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services under Medicare. Since enacting this cap, Congress has recognized the potential harmful effect on Medicare beneficiaries and has acted several times to prevent its full implementation and allow an exception process for “medically necessary” treatments.

“Many seniors depend on these therapy servicesin order to live rich and full lives, and a cap on these treatments hinders their ability to do so”said Congressman Paulsen. “By removing this arbitrary and dated cap, we can stop limiting access for our seniors and ensures they are able to receive the high-quality care they deserve.”

“Thousands of Wisconsin seniors use physical, occupational, and speech therapy to continue living their lives to the fullest,” said Congressman Kind. “However, Medicare currently puts a cap on how much money they will cover for these programs, placing an arbitrary and unnecessary burden on many Wisconsin seniors. This bill would get rid of the cap and give our seniors the quality care they deserve.”

“I continually hear from senior citizens in my district who profoundly rely on these therapy services in order to maintain a better quality of life,” said Congresswoman Blackburn.“Capping these needed treatments would only dictate winners and losers for seniors in my district; and all of our seniors deserve access to a better quality of life and quality care.”

“Seniors deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the care they need is covered,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Physical therapy following a surgery or occupational therapy after an injury or stroke means people can recover in their communities, often preventing readmissions to the hospital. By removing the arbitrary cap, those services remain affordable and accessible for seniors. We need to continue to protect and expand Medicare to keep seniors healthy.”

Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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