Bill > S1318

This bill, also known as the Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians Act or the HELLPP Act, aims to improve access to foot and ankle care for beneficiaries of government health programs. Specifically, it seeks to ensure that podiatric physicians are recognized as physicians under Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act), allowing Medicaid beneficiaries to receive appropriate quality foot and ankle care from these specialists. Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for diabetic shoes to be covered under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act), making it easier for individuals with diabetes to obtain therapeutic shoes and inserts when prescribed by a qualified physician or podiatrist and deemed medically necessary due to conditions like neuropathy, poor circulation, or foot deformities. Finally, the bill includes provisions to strengthen Medicaid program integrity by allowing for continuous levies on payments to Medicaid providers and suppliers.