05/09/2019

Update - House Removes Facility Fees Language

Update on ASC Facility Fees Issue - House Removes Language

Last evening, the Ohio House Finance Committee removed the language mentioned below that would have prohibited all health care facilities including ASCs from charging a facility fee for services.

The language was removed as a part of an omnibus or larger amendment that made numerous edits to the entire budget. The full House just voted on this version of the budget before sending it to the Senate for consideration.

The OAASC and other groups will remain vigilant on this as the budget moves forward to ensure it does not get reinserted but at this point it has been removed.

Thanks to everyone for the support and we will keep you posted.  Please contact us if you or your physicians have any questions - rleffler@oaasc.net or 614-358-0177

 

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Update for Ohio ASCs Regarding Facility Fees Issue

The OAASC wanted to share with the membership that we have been meeting and talking with key House members regarding the below referenced legislative issues on facility fee charges for all health care facilities. 

Additionally, every Ohio House member received a hand delivered copy of the letter from the association on our opposition to the proposed provision. Letter to Legislators Regarding Facility Fee Language in Budget

Representatives are currently meeting to finalize the House’s version of the budget and Senate deliberations will begin next week.

 

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Urgent Information for Ohio ASCs

Language has just been inserted in the state's biennial budget (SubHB166) that would prohibit ALL health care facilities  from charging a facility fee for services.  Only the physician's professional fees would be allowed.  As stated in the language:

(B) A health care facility shall not charge a facility fee that is in addition to any fee for professional services unless both of the following apply:

(1) The health care facility is a trauma center.

(2) The professional services were provided not more than two hundred fifty yards from a building in which the health care facility provides trauma care.

This could impact almost every health care facility in the state including hospital based facilities.

The OAASC is on top of the issue, testifying, meeting with legislators and working as a part of a health care provider coalition to ensure this language is amended.

Member advocacy will be necessary in the coming days.  Please stay on alert to your email to contact your legislator and please contact the OAASC if you or your physicians have any questions (614) 358 - 0177 or rleffler@oaasc.net.