News & Events News Senate Passes Medicare Legislation
December 31, 2007 Physicians Avert Cut to Medicare Payments January 9, 2008 Study Estimates 27,000 Deaths Resulted from Lack of Health Insurance in 2007 January 17, 2008 NPAF Urges Action on Expanded Access Read All |
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. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
NPAF Election Center!
Do you know where each of the Presidential candidates stands on important health care issues? Would you like to attend a candidate event and support health care access issues? Visit the NPAF Election Center for candidate information and health care proposals.
