In a letter dated July 14, 2014, six senators from both parties signed a letter to Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), reviewing the delayed implementation of several aspects of the SMART Act signed into law in January of 2013. (See attached)
Senators signing the letter included Rob Portman (OH), Richard Burr (NC), Sherrod Brown (OH), Robert Casey (PA), Roger Wicker (MS), Roy Blunt MO) and Mary Landrieu (LA).
The senators specifically ask CMS to 1) complete the development of the robust portal specified in the SMART Act to ease compliance for regulated entities and beneficiaries, 2) complete the report to Congress with respect to the appropriate thresholds for workers’ compensation, no fault and mass tort cases, 3) move forward promptly with the full rulemaking process on safe harbors, and 4) announce to beneficiaries and the regulated community the elimination of full SSNs in the reporting process.
The letter reflects a growing frustration with CMS implementation of the SMART Act.
UWC continues to work with members of congress on the impact of Medicare administration by CMS and its impact on workers’ compensation.
