Printer-friendly format

The AMA welcomed a bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) last week that would replace 18 months of Medicare payment cuts to physicians with payment updates that better reflect medical practice cost increases.

The Save Medicare Act of 2008 (S. 2785) would prevent the 10.6 percent cut in Medicare physician payments planned for July 1, retain current levels for the remainder of 2008 and enact a 1.8 percent increase for 2009. It would also continue rural extender provisions that are set to expire, such as the floor for work Geographic Practice Cost Indices and the bonus for physician scarcity areas.

The 18-month timeframe in the bill will inject some stability into the system for seniors, as well as physicians forced to make difficult practice decisions because of planned payment cuts. It will also give Congress time to begin working on a long-term solution to the broken payment system without having to take action to stop the cuts twice in one year.

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recently made a recommendation to lawmakers to replace physician payment cuts with updates that reflect medical practice cost increases.

“Sen. Stabenow’s bill is an important step toward implementing this recommendation, and we urge Congress to act before the cut begins this July and seniors’ access to care is negatively affected,” said AMA president-elect Dr. Nancy H. Nielsen.

On April 1-2, physicians will have an opportunity to address this issue face to face with members of Congress at the AMA National Advocacy Conference. As part of the conference, members of the AMA and AMA Alliance will rally April 2 at Capitol Hill’s Upper Senate Park in support of S. 2785. Prior to the rally, attendees will hear from insiders about the political climate on Capitol Hill and get the latest on medicine’s legislative priorities.

Physicians are urged to call (800) 833-6354 or visit the AMA Web site at www.ama-assn.org to get in touch with their members of Congress in support of S. 2785.




April 2008

Tags:

None

Login and voice your opinion!