Tucson Standard

U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani and Don Davis have spearheaded a bipartisan effort aimed at enhancing transparency within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), particularly regarding the program's billing codes. The initiative, known as the Oversight of Medicare Billing Code Cost Act, entails a study by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services to scrutinize CMS processes related to Medicare billing codes.

In a statement, Rep. Ciscomani emphasized the importance of understanding cost drivers to safeguard Medicare and Medicaid for seniors, stating, "We must do everything in our power to protect Medicare and Medicaid for our seniors." Rep. Davis echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for Medicare beneficiaries to have full transparency regarding their billing.

Rep. Harshbarger expressed concerns about unchecked actions by federal bureaucrats impacting seniors and Medicare patients, emphasizing the necessity of reining in Medicare spending levels. Rep. Huizenga highlighted the need for greater transparency in billing and coding practices to protect Medicare for current and future seniors.

Chris Pope, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, commended Rep. Ciscomani's bill for shedding light on escalating Medicare costs due to the addition of new services and procedures. Americans for Prosperity also voiced support for the bill, with Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow, underlining the importance of informed cost-benefit analysis in Medicare coverage decisions.

The Oversight of Medicare Billing Code Cost Act is poised to provide critical insights into how CMS determines covered services, with the OIG report set to offer recommendations for administrative actions and potential legislative considerations. The initiative aims to keep Medicare costs sustainable without compromising benefits, addressing the historical trend where a significant portion of Medicare spending increase was attributed to newly created procedure codes.

The bipartisan push led by Ciscomani and Davis underscores a commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability within Medicare, ultimately aiming to safeguard the program's integrity and ensure its longevity for the benefit of seniors nationwide.