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Preserve Patient Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital Act
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Vote Yes on Preserving Patient Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
On behalf of all healthcare professionals in your district/state, I am writing to express my support for the Preserving Patient Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals Act of 2005.
The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) applauds your leadership on rehabilitation issues and congratulates you on your efforts to preserve and improve access to advanced, comprehensive medical rehabilitation. By continuing to fight for rehabilitation access for some of our most vulnerable populations, your legislation will help allow Medicare beneficiaries and all individuals to receive these vital services.
Since 2002, Congress has taken several steps in an effort to update and modernize the inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) criteria known as the 75% Rule. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made only minor changes to the 20-year-old rule.
In April 2005, a Government Accountability Office released a report indicating that 1) the 75% Rule is not working and is in need of modification and 2) more research is needed for policy makers to proceed in an informed manner.
Legislation must be enacted to prevent further harm to patient access to care. The current list of conditions within the 75% Rule does not reflect modern medical rehabilitation practices and advances. The true effects of CMS actions are just now being fully understood, and there is evidence that patient access is being hindered.
Rehabilitation patients deserve to receive the right care in the right setting at the right time. This is a critical issue for the patients that need rehabilitative care, and for the hospitals that provide the services.
On behalf of all AAHAM members urge Congress to pass this legislation this year. We are prepared to help you!
Sincerely,
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