Nancy L. Johnson: “I raise this point of order respectfully and regretfully, but it is important that this section be struck. In 2001, I…”

“I raise this point of order respectfully and regretfully, but it is important that this section be struck. In 2001, I helped author and pass in this House a requirement that providers be required as of this October to submit all Medicare claims electronically. Because most electronic billing systems eliminate inaccurate and duplicate claims, the user fee is unnecessary, as Medicare will get dramatically fewer mistakes after October. Harnessing a new claims processing and billing technology is preferable to using a punitive, per-claim tax to reduce mistakes. In addition, current law gives small providers the leeway that they need. Hospitals with fewer than 25 full-time employees or a physician practice with fewer than 10 full-time employees are exempted from this requirement. In sum, the current law that goes into effect October 1 covers this matter and provides the proper small business exemption. But in addition, the issue of what is a clean claim can be a very controversial issue and intermediaries have enormous power in this matter.”