Cantwell Celebrates Passage of Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act

Press Release

Cantwell Celebrates Passage of Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act

Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, used her seat to help secure passage of the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (HR 6331), a measure that would prevent a scheduled 10.6 percent cut in Medicare physician payments. The legislation passed by a vote of 69-30, which means that it is veto-proof from threats issued by President Bush.

"I'm very pleased that my colleagues were able to respond to the health care needs of our seniors, veterans, and service members," said Cantwell. "Blocking these devastating cuts to Medicare will protect access to care for millions of Americans."

"I urge the President to put the needs of seniors and veterans above special interests and sign this measure into law."

Without Congressional intervention, physician payments under Medicare will be cut by 10.6 percent for the remainder of the year and 16 percent in 2009. The cuts will also impact active duty service members and veterans utilizing TRICARE, which ties its payment rates to Medicare. HR 6331 would freeze physician payments for 2008 and provide a modest increase the following year.

HR 6331, which passed the House of Representatives on a 355-59 margin, had failed to advance in the Senate last month due to opposition from Republican leadership. Since that filibuster, concerned seniors, veterans, and physicians made work during the Congressional Fourth of July state work period to change enough votes and reach the 60 needed for final passage. The bill will now be sent to the President, who has threatened to veto the measure.

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