AST Endorses Capitol Hill Legislation Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program

Thursday, May 8, 2014

The AST has been working closely with the office of Congressman Jim Renacci (R-OH) to garner support for his legislation (HR 4188) that seeks to exempt organ transplantation, ESRD, and other targeted conditions from classification as an admission for purposes of penalties under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). AST believes this legislative proposal is an essential and necessary step for protecting certain patient populations that would otherwise be compromised under the current law policy for hospital readmissions. The Society is working to garner cosponsors, support from Leadership in the House of Representatives as well as a Senate champion to introduce companion legislation.

On May 6, AST sent a letter to Congressman Renacci, applauding him for his leadership in developing and the legislation. Read the letter here. Earlier this week, Congressman Renacci sent a letter to the other 434 members of Congress, asking for their co-sponsorship of the legislation and highlighting AST's support of the bill. Read Congreesman Renacci's letter here.

You can also read a section-by-section analysis of the legislation here.