Congress’ inability to find a permanent fix to the scheduled 21 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements is forcing an increasing number of physicians to stop participating in Medicare. Yet on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would prevent the House from voting on a fully paid-for bill to delay the reimbursement cut unless the Senate first passes legislation that would create tens of billions of dollars in new debt. Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement in response.

“Seniors’ access to health care is being held hostage to the Democrats’ deficit spending addiction,” said Congressman Price. “Every year, more and more physicians leave Medicare because the reimbursements do not cover their costs. A 21 percent cut will turn this steady flow into a deluge. Unlike Washington, doctors’ offices cannot operate with enormous annual deficits. Slashing Medicare reimbursement rates will make it incredibly difficult for seniors to get the care they need. We owe it to every generation to find a permanent and fiscally responsible solution to the Medicare reimbursement crisis. The American people are tired of politicians looking for leverage when they should be providing leadership.”