Congress Overrides Presidential Veto To Stop Medicare Physician Cuts and Preserves Access to Care

For Immediate Release

Contact: Lynne Takacs
Director of Communications
Office: (850) 224-6496

Congress Overrides Presidential Veto To Stop Medicare Physician Cuts and Preserves Access to Care

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 16, 2008)—Yesterday Congress voted to override the President's veto of HR 6331, thus averting the 10.6 percent cut in payments to physicians who treat Medicare patients. These cuts would have made it even more difficult for seniors, the disabled and military families to access high quality care.

"The 10.6 percent reimbursement cut would have been a devastating blow to access to care for Medicare patients. We applaud all who voted to stop these damaging Medicare cuts for the next 18 months," said Karl M. Altenburger, M.D., President of the Florida Medical Association. "While this temporary fix is both important and welcomed, it is imperative to underscore that this bill is only a band-aid on a very flawed system. The physicians of Florida and our nation need a permanent solution to fix the Medicare physician payment formula that at least keeps up with inflation."

"We are encouraged that this bill stops Medicare cuts for the next 18 months...," said Nancy Nielson, MD, President of the American Medical Association. "Current Medicare payments to physicians are about what they were in 2001, while the cost of running a medical practice has increased substantially."

The FMA, AMA and a number of patient advocacy groups called on Congress to pass this important bi-partisian bill. "This has been a up-hill battle to say the least," added Altenburger. "However, I am encouraged to see the voices of patients and physicians are beginning to be heard."

About the Florida Medical Association

Founded in 1874, the Florida Medical Association's mission is to help physicians practice medicine. With over 17,000 members, the Florida Medical Association is the largest physician association in the state of Florida. For more information about the Florida Medical Association, visit www.fmaonline.org.

For more information about the FMA, visit www.fmaonline.org or contact Lynne Takacs, Director of Communications and Public Relations, at (800) 762-0233, (850) 445-3533 or ltakacs@medone.org.