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Amend the resolve by striking out all of section 1 and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 1 MaineCare reimbursement for audiology and speech-language pathology services. Resolved: That by October 1, 2013 the Department of Health and Human Services shall amend its rules regarding audiology and speech-language pathology services under the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II and Chapter III.
The amended rules must increase reimbursement for audiology and speech-language pathology services provided by an independent speech-language practitioner by 1/2 of the difference between the rates that are paid for those services and the rates that are paid to a speech and hearing agency for the same services; and be it further’
Amend the resolve in section 2 in the last line (page 1, line 18 in L.D.) by striking out the following: "2-A." and inserting the following: '2-A; and be it further'
Amend the resolve by inserting after section 2 the following:
‘Sec. 3 Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.
 
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF (FORMERLY DHS)
 
Medical Care - Payments to Providers 0147
 
Initiative: Provides funding for an increase in MaineCare reimbursement rates for speech and hearing pathology and audiology services for independent practitioners to the rate paid to speech and hearing agencies for the same services.

GENERAL FUND	2013-14	2014-15	
All Other	$422,720	$680,868	
			
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$422,720	$680,868	

FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND	2013-14	2014-15	
All Other	$684,022	$1,089,920	
			
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL	$684,022	$1,089,920	
 
’
 
SUMMARY
This amendment deletes the provisions of the resolve that pertain to services for persons who are eligible for the Medicare program and that pertain to prior authorization. The amendment retains the provision that raises rates for speech and hearing pathology services, but at only half the increase proposed in the resolve, and replaces references to "hearing services" with references to "audiology services." It also adds an appropriations and allocations section.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)