SEC. 421. ONE-YEAR INCREASE FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES FURNISHED
IN A RURAL AREA.
(a) IN GENERAL- With respect to episodes and
visits ending on or after April 1, 2004, and before April 1, 2005, in the case
of home health services furnished in a rural area (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(2)(D))), the Secretary shall
increase the payment amount otherwise made under section 1895 of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1395fff) for such services by 5 percent.
(b) WAIVING BUDGET NEUTRALITY- The Secretary
shall not reduce the standard prospective payment amount (or amounts) under
section 1895 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395fff) applicable to home
health services furnished during a period to offset the increase in payments
resulting from the application of subsection (a).
(c) NO EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PERIODS- The payment
increase provided under subsection (a) for a period under such subsection--
(1) shall not apply to episodes and
visits ending after such period; and
(2) shall not be taken into account
in calculating the payment amounts applicable for episodes and visits occurring
after such period.
