Two votes determine Medicare payment rule

Article

Two votes from Republican senators killed a House bill that would have averted statutory payment reductions for Medicare physicians, just before legislators left Capitol Hill for their Independence Day holiday. Medicare physicians now face 10.6% fee cuts, but there is an opportunity for retrospective increases after the recess.

Two votes from Republican senators killed a House bill that would have averted statutory payment reductions for Medicare physicians, just before legislators left Capitol Hill for their Independence Day holiday. Medicare physicians now face 10.6% fee cuts, but there is an opportunity for retrospective increases after the recess.

At presstime, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) had told senators to prepare for a cloture vote, which could force more action on the bill. The White House promises to veto the measure because it places limits on Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans and cuts indirect medical education payments.

The American Medical Assn. quickly issued a statement, saying many doctors now will need to refuse Medicare patients because of the payment reduction.

Recent Videos
Jill Zouzoulas, MD, FACR, an expert on biologic therapies
Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, an expert on atopic dermatitis
Video 5 - "Obstacles in Adapting Diabetes Technology to Individual Needs" - 1 KOL is featured
Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, an expert on atopic dermatitis
Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, an expert on atopic dermatitis
Related Content
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.