Legislative Alert
On Friday, May 27, the State's Joint Finance Committee approved an assessment
on Ambulatory Surgery Centers as part of their biennial budget. This assessment
totals $44.1 million over the two year period, and is based on gross patient
revenues (as defined for purposes of participation under the federal Medicare
program). It is an addition to the Governor's budget, and is part of the Joint
Committee's efforts to cover the estimated additional $1.5 billion deficit
reported in mid-May. The assessment would be used for two primary purposes: (a)
$21m will be used to replace GPR currently funding the MA program over the biennium,
and (b) $22.9m will be used for MA reimbursement. The assessment would also be
used to increase federal matching revenues into Wisconsin. This is expected to
result in $49m in additional payments to Wisconsin ASCs over the biennium, and
will be distributed through enhanced MA reimbursement.
The details for the assessment and reimbursement are not yet final. Your
Association of Wisconsin Surgery Centers is actively evaluating this proposal,
and will provide updates to you as available.
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