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Legislative Update 5/14/10: Legislature Back in Session Dealing with Dismal Budget

Submitted by ncotaadmin on Mon, 05/17/2010 - 16:03

© 2010 Evelyn Hawthorne, NCOTA Government Relations Consultant
Lawmakers Return to Convene “Short Session” May 12
The North Carolina State House and Senate gaveled in the 2010 session of the General Assembly at noon May 12. Both Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight (D-Dare) and House Speaker Joe Hackney (D-Chatham) emphasized the need to get to the true reason for the short session – making necessary adjustments to the budget. The economy’s somber tone and the likelihood of the fiscal mess to fester into 2011 clearly weighed heavily on lawmakers, as was evident in recent press availability by the Senate leadership in the following link courtesy of The Greensboro News and Record:

April 16th Breaking News: Medicare Part B Payment Update

Submitted by ncotaadmin on Fri, 04/16/2010 - 12:55

Announcement from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
"On April 15, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Continuing Extension Act of 2010.” This law extends through May 31, 2010, the zero percent update to the Medicare Physician
Fee Schedule (MPFS) that was in effect for claims with dates of service January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010. The law is retroactive to April 1, 2010.

Do You Provide Orthotics to Medicare Beneficiaries? Medicare Surety Bond Requirement May Apply to You

Submitted by ncotaadmin on Fri, 03/26/2010 - 13:58

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new rule requiring suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) to obtain a surety bond valued at no less than $50,000. According to its final rule, “Medicare Program: Surety Bond Requirement for Suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS).” The surety bond requirement applies to many occupational therapists who furnish DMEPOS to patients and bill Medicare for orthotics reimbursement using L-codes. DMEPOS suppliers must obtain a $50,000 surety bond and submit required documentation to the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) in order to continue billing under the Medicare program.

Scholarship Auction An Exciting, Successful Event

Submitted by ncotaadmin on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 22:23

The 2009 NCOTA Scholarship Auction raised $1346.50 to fund student scholarships. This year's auction featured a profesional auctioneer, great food, exciting competitive bidding, and an evening of great fun!