Senate bill Introduced to stop the 2008 Medicare physician cuts

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. On July 1, 2008, Medicare will cut physician payments by 10.6 percent. 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.

To send a letter to Congress in support of S. 2785 AMCNO members may visit our web site at www.amcnoma.org  and click on the “Legislation link/Find you legislator” to send a prepared letter to your representative or senator directly through our web site. Physicians may also call the AMA legislative line (800) 833-6354 to get in touch with your members of Congress in support of S. 2785.