Visclosky Statement on Patients' Right to Choose Doctors

Statement

On June 24, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3962, the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and TRICARE Families Relief Act. Below is Congressman Pete Visclosky's response.

Ensuring that patients maintain their right to choose their doctors is a key part of my efforts to provide access to quality and affordable health insurance coverage to residents of Indiana's First District. On June 24th, the U.S. Congress took an important step forward in ensuring that seniors and TRICARE families keep their doctors.

At a time when keeping our national budget in check is as critical as ever so that we can maintain our focus on creating jobs and revitalizing the national economy, I am pleased that this legislation pays for itself. On Thursday evening, the House passed H.R. 3962, the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and TRICARE Families Relief Act. The bill retroactively reverses the 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors, scheduled for June 1st, and effective June 1st provides a 2.2 percent update to physician reimbursements through November 30, 2010.

The bill now goes to President Obama's desk for his signature. I am pleased that the House and Senate have sent this bill to the President's desk, and I believe that in this six month period, Congress should continue to work to find a permanent solution to this problem.

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