Hare Supports Legislation To Fix Medicare Payments

Press Release

Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today voted for the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, legislation that would repeal a 21% cut in Medicare payments to doctors scheduled to take place in January and replace it with a more stable system.

"When doctors don't get paid, seniors can't get treated," Hare said. "We have a responsibility to ensure Medicare pays its participating physicians in a sufficient and timely fashion. This bill will start us down that road."

This legislation addresses a top concern of our seniors: that they can keep their doctors. It builds on the historic health care reform bill passed earlier this month which strengthens Medicare and closes the gap in prescription drug coverage.

"I have heard from hundreds of doctors and seniors in my district who support this fix," Hare said. "Making sure Medicare works efficiently must be a part of health care reform."

The bill is supported by a wide range of organizations representing patients, doctors and other providers, including the American Medical Association, AARP, the Military Officers Association of America, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, the American College of Surgeons, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, the Medicare Rights Center, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

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