HR 6331 passed last week in the Senate, thanks in part to a vote from Kennedy seen by many as crucial to the bill's passing.

In addition to a delay of competitive bidding by at least 18 months, the bill will exempt high-end rehabilitation items from the bid program and repeal the title transfer mandate of oxygen equipment.

President Bush has threatened to veto the bill. If passed, the legislation will block a 10% cut in Medicare.

Editor's note: Bush did, indeed, veto HR 6331, but within hours the Senate and House both voted overwhelmingly to override the veto. For the respiratory care world, this means delayed competitive bidding and  consistent pulmonary rehab reimbursement nationwide. Regarding the title trnsfer for oxygen after 36 months, CMS is working on a payment methodology for patients "post 36 months" and we don't know what that will be just yet. It will most likely be a maintenance and service payment for the stationary system with another fee for the portable oxygen service—mb