Whereas, podiatrists who accept assignment with the Medicare and Medicaid programs are receiving a 20% reduction in reimbursements over what they previously had been receiving as the result of a change to the Maine Medical Assistance Manual made by the Department of Human Services; and

Whereas, federally qualified health centers, rural health centers, physicians, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, ambulance services, mental health clinics, Indian health centers, psychologists and ambulatory care clinics are exempted from this change, and, therefore, are not subject to this 20% reduction in reimbursements; and

Whereas, this change has caused loss of coverage for podiatric care since March 29, 2000 and may cause some podiatrists to be unable to continue to accept assignment with the Medicare and Medicaid programs if action is not taken immediately to correct the inequitable economic treatment of podiatrists; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Reimbursement for podiatrists. Resolved: That the Department of Human Services shall adopt rules to include podiatrists in the group of health care providers who are exempt from reimbursement reductions imposed by the department with respect to its liability for Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance charges. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Human Services to include podiatrists in the group of health care providers who are exempt from reimbursement reductions imposed by the department with respect to its liability for Medicare Part B deductible and