Repealing the SGR is one policy objective that is a common goal of all physicians. The Stabenow bill, S. 1776, the “Medicare Physicians Fairness Act of 2009,” creates the pathway to achieve that goal. Call (888) 434-6200 toll free to leave a message for your senator.
S. 1776 will:
- serve as the Senate legislative vehicle for eliminating Medicare’s sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula and
- lays the foundation for establishing a new Medicare physician payment update system.
The procedural path for passing S. 1776 will be complicated, requiring the support of 60 Senators on several procedural motions over the next few days.
S. 1776 will be the subject of a cloture vote on late Monday afternoon (Oct 19). 60 votes are needed to invoke cloture to allow formal consideration of the bill.
A vote on final passage is expected to occur next Thursday (Oct 22) or Friday ( Oct 23).
Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen. Chris Dodd, along with President Obama all strongly support passage of S. 1776.
Again, call (888) 434-6200 toll free to leave a message for your senator. Keep the momentum going.
I've phoned, emailed, etc.
ReplyDeleteQuick question ... When this passes, what will be the new payment formula? Ouiga Board?
docc 99,
ReplyDeletea good question, that of payment formula. but don't think, despite the merits, that S 1776 is a slam dunk to pass. and should sgr go un-fixed, even the ouiga board will not sustain our system.
S 1776 supplies what is missing from the senate finance bill.
once S 1776 is enacted, the door is open to new payment methodology.
The Majority and Minority leader reached an accord that will allow the Senate to proceed to S. 1776 next week (October 19th – 23rd).
ReplyDeleteSenate Majority and Minority Leaders will negotiate an agreement which will permit a very limited number of amendments to S. 1776 to be offered and voted upon.
One or more votes are expected on S. 1776, including a critical vote on a motion to waive the budget act with respect to the bill.