Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement on the permanent ‘Doc Fix,’ passed by the House of Representatives:   

“Minnesotans want to see a Washington that puts aside politics and isn’t afraid to tackle the big issues,” said Paulsen. “Passing a permanent ‘Doc Fix’ means Congress will no longer have to find annual band-aid solutions to this self-imposed crisis that threatens access for seniors and provides uncertainty for doctors. This bipartisan action makes sure that Medicare is protected for current beneficiaries while taking the necessary steps to ensure the program will be there for our children and grandchildren.”

Background:

The Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) was installed by Congress in 1997 in an attempt to curb rising Medicare costs by limiting physician payments if costs exceeded an established threshold. However, the SGR has been postponed through temporary ‘Doc Fixes’ by Congress 17 different times before physician payments could be cut. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act passed today repeals the flawed SGR formula and replaces it with a permanent solution to Medicare physician repayments that emphasizes quality of care over quantity.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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