Physicians are urged to write to Congress asking for support of S 2785 – The Save Medicare Act

Less than four weeks remain before a 10.6 percent cut in Medicare physician payments goes into effect on July 1—unless Congress intervenes. S.2785, a bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., would replace 18 months of Medicare payment cuts to physicians with payment updates that better reflect medical practice cost increases. The 18-month timeframe in the Save Medicare Act of 2008 (S 2785) will provide stability into the payment system. It will also give Congress time to begin working on a long-term solution to the payment system without having to take action to stop the cuts twice in one year. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has made a recommendation to lawmakers to replace physician payment cuts with updates that reflect medical practice cost increases.

The AMCNO and other organizations support the bill sponsored by Sen. Stabenow that would increase physician fees by 1.8% for 18 months and would not include "balloon financing" language that would set up higher pay cuts in the future to compensate for a temporary delay. The AMCNO physician leadership has sent letters to all Northern Ohio Congressional representatives asking for their support of S 2785.

AMCNO members and staff are encouraged to send letters to Congress as well. To send a letter to Congress in support of S 2785 AMCNO members may  click here to send a prepared letter to your representative or senator.