Senate Passes Medicare Legislation

The United States Senate passed a Medicare bill on July 9th that blocks a 10.6% cut to Medicare physician reimbursements through December 31, 2009.  In addition, the legislation provides a 1.1% payment increase to physicians in 2009 and requires practioners to adopt e-prescribing systems by 2011.  The bill passed the Senate with a veto-proof majority, 69-30. 

Making a surprise return to the Senate for the Medicare vote was Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) who is currently being treated for brain cancer.  Senator Kennedy's arrival stirred the chamber to a "rousing ovation and moved many colleagues to tears." 

The legislation passed the House of Representatives 355-59 on June 24th.  The bill now goes to the President for his signature.  While there is a possibility that President Bush may veto the bill, both chambers have enough votes to override a veto.

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YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED AT THE 10TH ANNUAL PATIENT CONGRESS

 

The 10th annual Patient Congress is scheduled for June 24th & 25th in Washington, DC.  At Patient Congress, hundreds of patient advocates representing all fifty states join together in order to make a difference in the nation's health care system.  Attendees visit with elected officials and participate in educational briefings.