Posted On:
June 24, 2008
U.S. House of Representatives Has Voted to Postpone Proposed Cuts in Medicare Payments to Providers
The House voted today to postpone a planned cut in payments to physicians who treat Medicare patients. The bill passed by 355 to 59. There was a fear that the cut--some 10.6%--would affect physician's desire to treat medicare patients. Instead, the bill will increase Medicare payments to doctors by 1.1% in January instead of another 10% cut.
The elimination of the cut will be paid for by reducing payments to private Medicare Advantage programs.
Action in the Senate involves drafting a compromise measure that may avoid a White House veto. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and ranking Republican Charles E. Grassley (Iowa) may have reached a deal on the compromise.
