ONE-YEAR INCREASE FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES FURNISHED IN A RURAL AREA.

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—117 STAT. 2284(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.