Hooley Advocates for Medicare Physician Payment Reform

Press Release

Hooley Advocates for Medicare Physician Payment Reform

Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (OR-5) joined patient advocates today in calling for Medicare physician payment reform to prevent double digit payment cuts from leaving some Oregon seniors unable to access medical care. Under current law, the Congressional Budget Office projects that payment rates would be reduced by ten percent in 2008.

"If Congress fails to act, cuts to physician payments next year would put an increased burden on an already strained system," said Hooley. "Many seniors I represent are hard-pressed to find a provider willing to take new Medicare patients and we have no option but to act on reforming the system."

A member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee with jurisdiction over Medicare, Hooley is working with her colleagues on the Subcommittee on Health to craft legislation that compensates physicians fairly, promotes efficiency, and helps ensure access to physicians for Medicare beneficiaries.

With Oregon having one of the lowest per capita fee-for-service costs in the country, Hooley seeks to improve the physician payment system so that Oregon doctors are not disadvantaged for providing quality, efficient care.

"The efficient way in which Oregon physicians provide quality health care saves taxpayer dollars each year," added Hooley. "I want to make sure that Oregon physicians are able to continue providing some of the highest quality and most efficient medical care in the country."

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to consider a health care legislative package, including Medicare physician payment reform, in the coming weeks.

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