Medicare Fix Down to the Wire...Again

Congressional haggling earlier this fall resulted in the hopefully-temporary demise of a two-year positive update for physician Medicare reimbursements. Originally, language effectuating a reversal of the 10% physician pay cut slated for January 1st had been packaged with congressional extension for the state children’s health insurance program. However, disagreements forced the Medicare fix out of the bill, and now it will have to move forward on its own before year’s end. Physicians are rightfully voicing frustration over this annual déjà vu moment, as a signal of the feds’ continuing callous disregard for patient access to care. AMA, AARP, and the entire federation of medicine nationally have joined forces to fight for a positive Medicare update for doctors.

What can you do?

Call your congressional representative and senators. Talk to your patients about the importance of fixing the flawed Medicare formula. Use the poster ISMS is sending to physicians statewide to activate your patients! For more info, visit http://www.isms.org; or call the division of governmental affairs, (800) 782-4767, ext. 6440.