Medicare Improvement Bill Passes House With Capito Support

Statement

Medicare Improvement Bill Passes House With Capito Support

Congresswoman Fights Cuts in Medicare Payments

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito released the following statement after voting to pass the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act to prevent a 10.6% cut in Medicare payments:

"Medicare is vital to the health of so many West Virginia seniors," said Capito. "We must make sure that Mountain State seniors maintain their access to care and that means ensuring that doctors have the resources to treat Medicare patients.

"Without this bill, Medicare payments would have been cut by nearly 11% within days, creating major financial obstacles for West Virginia seniors and their doctors. Thankfully this measure prevents that from happening, while also improving and extending payments for rural Medicare providers who are so important to communities throughout our state."

The House bill will also extend the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process through December 31, 2009, ensuring West Virginia seniors will continue to maintain access to physical therapy.

Source