[kansasr]

For two decades, Medicare has capped how much it will pay for physical, speech and occupational therapy. But ever since the limits were imposed, Congress has passed an automatic exception that allows Medicare to pay for care beyond the caps when the treatments are deemed medically necessary.

The latest exception expired Dec. 31, which means the caps of $2,010 for physical and speech language therapy and $2,010 for occupational therapy are now being enforced. These services fall under Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient services. When the exceptions were in place, Medicare beneficiaries paid only the 20 percent coinsurance that Part B requires.