Health Care Reform

House Passes Health Care Reform:

The House of Representatives Nov. 7 passed (220-215) its version of health care reform, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962). The House version of the bill will extend insurance coverage to approximately 96% of Americans by 2013, restructure private insurance, and add incentives to primary care. It would not eliminate the scheduled 21.2% reduction in Medicare’s physician fees, nor would it allow coverage of abortion except in cases of rape or incest by any plan, public or private, which is purchased with the help of federal subsidies.

In the Senate, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and Finance committees have been working to merge their respective health care reform bills. Senate Republicans are expected to uniformly oppose whatever version of the Health Care Reform bill is brought forward. Independent Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut has indicated he will participate in filibustering any reform bill which includes a public option. Democrats have suggested the reform bill may pass by the end of the year.

House to Vote on Sustainable Growth Rate Formula Repeal

H.R. 3961, the “Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009,” is currently scheduled to be voted on by the House of Representatives next week. This legislation would permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that calls for annual cuts in Medicare physician payments.

The many physician advocacy groups have been critical of the SGR formula and support the passage of H.R. 3961. In a press release, American Medical Association President Dr. Rohack, said “We must pass H.R. 3961 as an essential element of health reform and to fulfill Congress’ obligations to current and future Medicare patients.” Under the SGR formula, Medicare payments to physicians would fall 21.5% in 2010 and approximately 40% in the next five years. Opponents of H.R. 3961 argue that repealing the SGR may cost the Federal government $210 billion.If you have any questions about these or any other legislative issues, please contact your regional Legislative Affairs Representative. We would be happy to hear from you!