Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008

MEDICARE IMPROVEMENTS FOR PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS ACT OF 2008 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 09, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2008

* Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. The 14th Congressional District of New York, which I represent, is home to 18 hospitals--perhaps more than any other district in the nation. Of course, along with hospitals come physicians who regularly report to me about the crisis of healthcare in this country. I am grateful that H.R. 6331 helps America's doctors while also significantly helping Medicare beneficiaries and hope that the other body will act swiftly on this much needed legislation.

* H.R. 6331 eliminates the pending 10.6 percent cuts in the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) to physicians for the remainder of 2008 and provides a 1.1 percent update in payments for 2009. I have thousands of doctors in my district who tell me that the uncertainty of Medicare payments makes it increasingly difficult to plan for expenses. Unfortunately, we are seeing that for many doctors, the response to the uncertainty is to stop taking new patients, or even more dire, end their participation with the Medicare program. This is catastrophic for patient access and care. This bill is a positive first step toward eliminating that uncertainty and allowing time for Congress to develop reforms to the current system.

* I am proud that this bill strengthens Medicare for those beneficiaries who are in greatest need and ensures access to good quality care while remaining fiscally responsible. I thank Chairmen Dingell and Rangel for this important bill and urge my colleagues to support America's seniors by voting in favor of H.R. 6331.

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