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Support Medicare Physician
Payment System Reform!
The current payment system is hurting both Medicare providers and beneficiaries. This will continue to be the case unless Congress passes legislation blocking a 10% Medicare payment cut slated to take effect January 1, 2008 and replaces the cuts with positive updates. Please take action and help ensure quality health care for older adults.
Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Your Congressperson
Your Senators
Below is the sample letter:
Subject: Support Medicare Physician Payment System Reform!
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
The Sustainable Growth Rate formula, or SGR, has proven to be neither sustainable for physicians nor fair for older Americans. This will continue to be the case unless Congress passes legislation blocking a 10% Medicare payment cut slated to take effect January 1, 2008 and replaces the cuts with positive updates. America needs a payment system that rewards improvements in quality and services.
The Sustainable Growth Rate formula, or SGR, mandates cuts in payments whenever increases in expenditures for these services outstrip growth in gross domestic product. Each year for the last several years Congress has blocked SGR-mandated cuts, providing a short-term fix, but setting the stage for even larger cuts in subsequent years.
A recent American Medical Association (AMA) survey of 9,000 physicians found that 60% of providers would limit the number of new Medicare patients they accept if the cut takes effect. The survey also found that more than two-thirds would defer the purchase of needed information technology next year and half would reduce their staff. According to the AMA, scheduled SGR adjustments will amount to a 40% payment cut for providers over the next nine years. During that same period, doctors expect their practice expenses to rise about 20%.
Seniors need your help! The SGR formula is hurting both Medicare providers and beneficiaries. Congress must act now to block the pending 10% cut and work to revamp the current flawed Medicare reimbursement system for the long term.
Thank you for your committment to improving the health and wellbeing of older Americans. Should you have questions about this important issue, please have your staff contact Alanna Goldstein (212-308-1414) at the American Geriatrics Society.
Sincerely,
Your Name
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Instructions:
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What's At Stake:
Support Medicare Physician Payment System Reform!
Campaign Expiration Date:
December 31, 2007
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