WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) introduced H.R. 4851 the Continuing Extension Act of 2010. The legislation extends critical unemployment and health care benefits, ensures that Medicare beneficiaries can continue seeing their doctors and extends other programs set to expire at the end of March.
“While the economy is showing signs of recovery, families are still finding it difficult to make ends meet," said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI). “This critical bill ensures that millions of Americans who have lost their jobs do not also lose the unemployment and health care benefits as they look for their next job opportunity. The legislation also ensures that millions of Medicare beneficiaries and members of the military and their families can continue visiting their doctors by preventing a drastic cut in the Medicare payment rate for physicians."
Summary of the Continuing Extension Act of 2010
I. Extension of Unemployment Insurance Programs - Extends Federal Unemployment Programs, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, through May 05, 2010.
II. Extension of COBRA Assistance - Extends eligibility for 65% subsidy for COBRA premiums through April 30, 2010.
III. Extension of Medicare Physician Update - Extends current Medicare payment rates for physicians (preventing a 21% payment reduction) through April 30, 2010.
IV. Extension of Medicare Therapy Caps Exceptions - Extends exceptions process for beneficiary payment limits on outpatient therapy services through April 30, 2010.
V. Extension of Poverty Guidelines - Extends current provision maintaining 2009 poverty guidelines through April 30, 2010 (to prevent a lowering of the poverty line).
VI. Extension of National Flood Insurance Program - Extends provision through April 30, 2010.
VII. Satellite Television Extension - Extends the copyright license used by satellite television providers through April 30, 2010.
VIII. Compensation for Furloughed Employees - Provides compensation for federal employees furloughed during March 1st and 2nd as the result of the lapse in expenditure authority from the Highway Trust Fund.
