“The American Medical Association congratulates House and Senate negotiators for taking this critical step toward reforming the nation's Medicare program. Today's introduction of SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014 would not have been possible without their hard work and commitment. Now Congress is closer than it has ever been to enacting fiscally-prudent legislation that would repeal Medicare's fatally flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula.
“This legislation is the product of months of unprecedented bipartisan, bicameral work to reach this landmark agreement to build a stronger Medicare program. Throughout the legislative process, the bill authors have been receptive to AMA's recommendations to improve the policy.
“Congress has been debating the shortcoming of the SGR policy for more than decade. Continuing the cycle of short-term patches by merely addressing the 2014 cut that is imminent on April 1 without solving the underlying problem would be fiscally irresponsible and further undermine the Medicare program. It is time for action to repeal the SGR and establish a transition to a new more stable Medicare physician payment policy to better serve America's senior citizens.”
Statement attributed to:
Ardis Dee Hoven, M.D.
President, American Medical Association
