MEASURE HALTS SCHEDULED CUTS IN MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAYMENTS & EXTENDS EXPIRING RURAL PAYMENT PROVISIONS

Washington, Jun 24, 2008 - “Medicare provides the critical health care needed by millions of our seniors and we must protect this program from these harmful cuts,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “The proposed cut in physician payments will discourage doctors from participating in the program and punish Medicare beneficiaries.”

Stearns today joined the House in approving H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. In addition to preventing the implementation of scheduled cuts in Medicare physician payments and providing positive payment updates for an 18 month period, H.R. 6331 extends expiring rural payment provisions, makes improvements to the benefit package for beneficiaries, places an emphasis on preventive services, expands the Medical Home demonstration project, and makes improvements to the budget neutrality methodology used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) when making adjustments to the Medicare physician fee schedule.