government
Physician-senator proposes SGR repeal bill
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 9, 2012
Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R, Ky.), has introduced legislation to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula that helps determine Medicare physician pay, but it would do so by eliminating major sections of the health system reform law.
The Access to Physicians in Medicare Act would prevent the more than 30% SGR cut in 2013 and stabilize future rates.
“Medicare, in its constant quest to save money, cuts physician reimbursement and in turn puts America’s seniors at risk of losing their access to quality health care,” Dr. Paul said in a statement. “I know the value of quality care, and I want to ensure our nation’s seniors continue to get it.”
The legislation, which was introduced June 25, would replace the SGR with a formula based on the consumer price index that measures general inflation. Updates to Medicare payments would be capped at 3% a year.However, the costs to fix the formula would be paid for by repealing the Medicaid expansion and insurance subsidy payments provided by the health reform law — moves that are considered nonstarters by congressional Democrats.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/07/09/gvbf0709.htm.
