Washington Week: Congress Approves SGR Delay MedPage Today
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- President Obama signed a bill Thursday that delays a 21% cut in Medicare reimbursements to physicians until June 1, and implementation of the new healthcare reform law began in earnest last week.
Following weeks of debate, Senate and the House enacted legislation Thursday that would temporarily postpone the reduction in payments mandated by the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula -- a Medicare accounting scheme that links Part B reimbursement rates to increases in the gross domestic product (GDP).
The 21% cut officially took effect April 1, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has held off paying claims since then in anticipation of Congressional action, so that doctors have yet to feel the sting.
The SGR provision is part of a much broader bill that temporarily funds several federal programs that have expired, including extended unemployment benefits, COBRA health insurance subsidies for the unemployed, and the national flood insurance program.
New York TimesHow Congress' number-crunchers affect debate on health careAlmost from the moment the two assumed their new posts, they began sparring over health care, specifically over the effectiveness of Obama's initiatives to drive down costs long term and not add to the budget deficit, while extending insurance to many Video: Cost a Major Issue As Senate Starts Health Care Obama's Health Plan Needs Spending Controls, CBO Says Trying to Keep Cost of Health-Care Reform at $1 Trillion -
Boston GlobeThey have had a free rein for far too long and look at the diaster it has created. People say they trust their doctors to make the right decision but it is the insurance companies that are in total control of the destination of our health. Video: Obama unveils health care plan Health Care Reform and the Federal Budget Commentary: Make health care affordable -
guardian.co.ukFixing A Sick Health Care SystemThis government-run plan could crush all of your other choices, driving them out of existence, resulting in 119 million off their current insurance coverage, leaving no choices in health insurance and government in control of your health care. Video: Doctors Weigh in on Obama Health Plan Doctors signal they'll work with Obama AMA Support Can Secure The Public Option -
The Weekly StandardFormer Senate leaders push healthcare compromiseCongress is drafting a bill to revamp healthcare, which President Obama calls “the single most important thing we can do for America's long-term fiscal health.'' Dole said the United States has a rare opportunity this year to enact a comprehensive HEALTH POLITICS: Bipartisan Leaders Propose Vision for Reform Urgent All Hands: Daschle/Dole compromise & HELP Comm. needs spine Late Words on the Day
