SGR Hit Postponed Again -- 3-10-10
This afternoon, the Senate passed H.R. 4213, a bill to extend certain tax policies and stimulate job growth, by a vote of 62-36. The bill includes provisions that would further extend current Medicare physician payment rates until October 1, 2010. The legislation will now be sent to the House, where amendments are possible. Consequently, it is not certain if this extension of Medicare payment rates can be signed into law before the current Medicare physician payment freeze expires on April 1.
The AMA is continuing its vigorous advocacy for a permanent repeal of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, and we encourage the Federation to maintain pressure on their legislators. The AMA Grassroots Hotline is available for your use: 1-800-833-6354.
