HELLPP Act

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to cover physician services delivered by podiatric physicians to ensure access by Medicaid beneficiaries to appropriate quality foot and ankle care, to amend title XVIII of such Act to modify the requirements for diabetic shoes to be included under Medicare, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians Act HELLPP Act 2. Recognizing doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians under the Medicaid program (a) In general Section 1905(a)(5)(A) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)(5)(A) section 1861(r)(1) paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 1861(r) (b) Effective date (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2024. (2) Extension of effective date for State law amendment In the case of a State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. 3. Clarifying Medicare documentation requirements for therapeutic shoes for persons with diabetes (a) In general Section 1861(s)(12) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(12) (12) subject to section 4072(e) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, extra-depth shoes with inserts or custom molded shoes with inserts (in this paragraph referred to as therapeutic shoes (A) the physician who is managing the individual’s diabetic condition— (i) documents that the individual has diabetes; (ii) certifies that the individual is under a comprehensive plan of care related to the individual’s diabetic condition; and (iii) documents agreement with the prescribing podiatrist or other qualified physician (as established by the Secretary) that it is medically necessary for the individual to have therapeutic shoes; (B) the therapeutic shoes are prescribed by a podiatrist or other qualified physician (as established by the Secretary) who— (i) examines the individual and determines the medical necessity for the individual to receive the therapeutic shoes; and (ii) communicates in writing the medical necessity to a certifying doctor of medicine or osteopathy for the individual to have therapeutic shoes along with findings that the individual has peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation, a history of pre-ulcerative calluses, a history of previous ulceration, foot deformity, previous amputation, or poor circulation; and (C) the therapeutic shoes are fitted and furnished by a podiatrist or other qualified supplier individual (as established by the Secretary), such as a pedorthist or orthotist, who is not the physician described in subparagraph (A) (unless the Secretary finds that the physician is the only such qualified individual in the area); . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2024. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed as expanding Medicare coverage for therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes. 4. Budget savings: strengthening Medicaid program integrity through continuous levy on payments to Medicaid providers and suppliers (a) In general Section 6331(h)(2) and , and (D) any payment to any Medicaid provider or supplier under a State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to levies issued after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians Act or the HELLPP Act This bill adds podiatrists as covered physicians under the Medicaid program. Additionally, the bill revises certain documentation requirements related to Medicare coverage of therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes. Finally, the bill subjects payments made to a Medicaid provider or supplier to a continuing levy for federal taxes owed by the provider or supplier.