Legislation blocks a scheduled July 1 cut to Medicare payments for doctors
June 25, 2008
U.S. Gabrielle Giffords today was part of a strong bipartisan majority that voted to pass legislation aimed at safeguarding access to health care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona and across the country.
"In the rural parts of my district like Cochise County, access to health care is a very real challenge, particularly for seniors," Giffords said. "This legislation helps guarantee continued access because it improves payments for rural physicians, community hospitals and ambulance services."
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, H.R. 6331, passed the House this afternoon in a 355 to 59 vote. The legislation is supported by the American Medical Association and the National Rural Health Association.
Among the bill's chief provisions is preventing a 10.6 percent payment cut in Medicare payments to physicians that was scheduled to take effect on July 1. As recommended by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the act increases physician payments by 1.1 percent for 2009.
"I am especially pleased that the legislation passed by the House today includes several responsible reforms, such as enhancing Medicare preventative and mental health benefits," said Giffords. "It also improves and extends much-needed programs for low-income Medicare beneficiaries."
Giffords noted that in communities such as Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Douglas and Naco, physicians can be in short supply. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act will help retain physicians by extending vital payment equity provisions.
"Today's vote marks the third time that House of Representatives has passed legislation to prevent harmful Medicare cuts," Giffords said. "My hope is that our colleagues in the Senate move quickly to pass this legislation and send it to the President's desk. We must keep our promises to our seniors and ensure they have continued access to quality health care."