Bunning Blockade Leads To 21 Percent Fee Cut For Doctors

[marmar]

via MichaelMoore.com:



March 1st, 2010 11:23 PM
Bunning Blockade Leads To 21 Percent Fee Cut For Doctors

By Brian Beutler / TPMMuckraker


Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) is already infamous for blocking a temporary extension of unemployment and COBRA benefits for out of work Americans. But included in that package is legislation to prevent a mandatory pay cut for doctors--and by standing in its way, he's triggered a 21 percent fee reduction to doctors seeing Medicare patients starting today.

Republicans say they support a temporary measure to avoid the cuts, but they have been unable to rein in Bunning, and, as such, the Senate has failed to act on a House bill that staves them off.

The American Medical Association warned of this last week: "A Medicare meltdown now seems certain, as the U.S. Senate has left early for the weekend, abandoning seniors, military families and baby boomers," reads an AMA statement from Friday. "The Senate failed to repeal the Medicare physician payment formula that will cause a drastic 21 percent payment cut to physicians who care for Medicare and TRICARE patients. On Monday, the 21 percent cut goes into effect, forcing many physicians to limit the number of Medicare and TRICARE patients they see in order to keep their practice doors open."

On a conference call with reporters this afternoon Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) put it this way: "By his actions, Bunning has prevented people from receiving Unemployment, health care access, transportation projects from going forward, and Doctors who provide Medicare services from getting paid." ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latest-news/bunning-blockade-leads-21-percent-fee-cut-doctors

[liberal N proud]

1. I applaud Van Hollen for publicizing it.

Every time the GOP pulls a political stunt the Democrats need to expose it and demonstrate how it is hurting the the people.

Shout out loudly, the impact the wrath of the GOP.

[asjr]

2. Medicare seniors already pay 20%

unless they have medigap insurance. Will we now have to pay an extra 21%? When I read anything about Medicare, etc. nowadays my brain turns to scrambled eggs.

[democrat_patriot]

3. "A Medicare meltdown now seems certain,

as the U.S. Senate has left early for the weekend,.."

Really? Nothing about the Republicans blocking it? Sounds like it was bi-partisan thing....