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Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014

Floor Speech

Date: March 27, 2014
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Senior Citizens Entitlements and the Safety Net Health and Health Care

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Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, the SGR cuts would reduce doctors' compensation for treating Medicare patients by 24 percent. Seniors and physicians cannot afford that, and Congress cannot let it happen in 5 days.

The legislation before us would patch the SGR for a year. I support this legislation--of course, reluctantly. Two weeks ago, the House passed a permanent repeal and replacement of the SGR that was fully paid for. The fix provided certainty for doctors who treat Medicare patients--that is what they need--and it incentivized and rewarded doctors to keep seniors healthy.

The Senate needs to negotiate, Mr. Speaker. If they don't like the House pay-for, come up with one. Let's come together and get this done. A patch isn't the best solution. We can replace the SGR, but the Senate has to work with us. Again, let's get this done. Let's work together, and let's get it done for our seniors.

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