Posted by From Dallas South News Wire
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act prevents 21 percent cut in
Medicare physician payments
Washington, DC – (November 19, 2009) Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today voted for H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act. The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act will prevent the 21 percent cut in Medicare physician payment rates scheduled for January 2010. It will also replace the formula currently used to calculate payment rates, the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, with a new system that is permanent and sustainable. The House passed the bill by a vote of 243-183.
“The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act will permanently reform the Medicare payment system, ensuring doctors are compensated fairly,” Congresswoman Johnson said. “A stabilized payment system will encourage doctors to continue to see Medicare patents, protecting seniors by preserving their relationships with their current doctors. The legislation will also benefit members of the military and their families, because physician payment rates in TRICARE are tied to those used by Medicare.”
H.R. 3961 is companion legislation to the Affordable Health Care for America Act, the landmark health care reform legislation the House passed on November 7.
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