To help ensure continued access to quality healthcare for West Virginians, U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) Tuesday supported passage of legislation aimed at preventing harmful cuts to Medicare.

“Cuts to Medicare physicians’ payments would endanger the ability of doctors in West Virginia to serve their communities,” said Rahall.  “If not prevented, pending cuts in the Medicare program may cause doctors to have to close their doors to Medicare patients. We cannot let this happen.  By eliminating the 10 percent cut and expanding vital rural healthcare provisions, this bill helps to ensure continued access to affordable healthcare in rural areas like West Virginia, where many patients have no where else to turn to for help.” 

H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, strengthens the Medicare Program by preventing the pending 10.6 percent payment reduction for Medicare physicians, mandated by Medicare’s Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. Rahall was one of 85 members of Congress to vote against the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which established the SGR formula. The bill also enhances Medicare’s preventive and mental health benefits; extends programs for low-income Medicare beneficiaries; improves payment practices for pharmacies; and extends expiring provisions for rural providers, hospitals, and ambulances. 

“Medicare is an essential service upon which many hard-working West Virginians rely,” said Rahall.  “Cutting this extremely beneficial program would create a dangerous domino effect, especially in our remote, rural communities where healthcare can be hard to find.  Healthcare should be one of our Nation’s top priorities and by passing H.R. 6331 today, we reaffirm our commitment to Medicare beneficiaries and the doctors who serve them.”