TROY, NY—The National Renal Administrators Association (NRAA) responded to the release of the “Medicare Program; End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, Quality Incentive Program, and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies” final rule.

“NRAA is concerned about the release of this final rule and its plan to cut our reimbursements so significantly. The twelve percent reduction in payment goes too far and if fully implemented could significantly limit patients choices of and access to care. NRAA appreciates the efforts on behalf of CMS to implement the reductions required by the American Taxpayer Relief Act in a manner to attempt to mitigate the negative impact. However, small independent community based providers of dialysis that already operate on extremely thin margins, will have their viability challenged due to these cuts. The cost of providing quality care to our patients continues to rise with growing reporting and other requirements from CMS, as well as costs of supplies, equipment and staff, yet our reimbursement will be reduced in 2014 and remain flat in 2015, then steeply declines in two years. The adjustment in the add-on payment for home dialysis training is a bright spot in this final rule and we hope it will lead to more patients having access to this modality of care. NRAA has appreciated our working relationship with CMS and looks forward to continuing to work with the Agency on the issues that will need to be addressed in future years,” said NRAA President Wayne Evancoe.