Policy and Other Responses
RUPRI Panel “remedy” regarding hospital payment (July, 1999 document)
- Complete analyses of the effects of Medicare payment change on categories of hospitals. Assessment of the impacts of policy changes must include separate analysis of small rural hospitals, particularly vulnerable institutions, and essential community providers.
RUPRI Panel “remedies” regarding home health
- Assure the availability of rural home health services. The new payment system must assure that agencies serving more remote rural populations receive adequate payment to compensate for higher travel and other costs.
- Assess the rural impact of conversion to a PPS. A report from the Secretary should pay special attention to the payment and technical assistance needs of home health agencies that are acting as essential community providers in serving isolated rural areas.
Rural Policy Research Center 11/8/99