Rep. Brown offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 70.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to remove the therapy services cap in the Medicare program.

            Whereas, The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 imposed annual caps per beneficiary of $1,500 on occupational therapy and a separate combined $1,500 cap on physical therapy and speech language pathology under Medicare Part B.  Over the years, Congress has enacted measures three times to prevent the caps from taking effect; and

            Whereas, On January 1, 2006, the $1,500 cap on physical therapy was adjusted for inflation, resulting in an increase of $1,740 for these health care services.  In order to continue to assist seniors in having access to necessary services, Congress established a process that allowed exceptions based on clinical recommendation as a temporary alternative.  This provision is due to expire December 31, 2007; and

            Whereas, The cap on therapy services could put many senior citizens and people with disabilities who need physical therapy in the position of forgoing necessary care or paying the full cost of their therapy when their Medicare coverage discontinues.  The enactment of H.R. 748, the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007, would eliminate caps on rehabilitative therapy under Medicare; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to repeal the cap on therapy services under the Medicare program; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.