GOP Senators Block Medicare Fix – Berkley Concerned Patients Will Lose Access to Doctor Care

Statement

GOP SENATORS BLOCK MEDICARE FIX - BERKLEY CONCERNED PATIENTS WILL LOSE ACCESS TO DOCTOR CARE

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today criticized Senate Republicans for blocking passage of legislation needed to protect Nevada seniors and millions of other Americans covered under Medicare. The bill, which failed by one vote Thursday, would have blocked a mandatory 10% cut in the reimbursement rates paid to doctors who treat Medicare patients from going into effect on July 1st. Medicare patients could see their access to care limited as a result of this cut.

"By blocking this important provision, Republicans in the Senate are threatening the ability of Nevada Medicare patients to see their own doctors," said Berkley. "Physicians across the country who serve our nation's Medicare patients are now going to see a drastic cut in payments as a result of the actions of a majority of GOP Senators. In many cases, this will push reimbursements below the cost of providing care. While I am hopeful that we will succeed in stopping this cut after we return from the 4th of July observance, the damage will have already begun. Practices will face disruptions to their billing, payments will be delayed, and in the long run, Medicare beneficiaries may find it more difficult to see their doctor or access other healthcare services," Berkley said.

"We cannot expect our doctors to lose money when they see a Medicare patient," said Berkley. "And with the Valley's rapidly growing senior population, Las Vegas will be especially hard hit if this drastic cut in reimbursement rates is not reversed," said Berkley.

Source