Senate Refuses To Consider Bill to Fix SGR

Legislation that would have provided a 10-year replacement of Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula was blocked when senators voted 53–47 against bringing the bill to the floor.

The sustainable growth rate (SGR) has dictated how Medicare pays physicians. For the last 7 years, the formula has required a reduction in physician fees, but each of those years, Congress has voted to reverse the cuts.

Eleven Democrats voted against cloture, a procedural motion that precedes a legislative vote: Evan Bayh (Ind.), Robert Byrd (W.Va.), Kent Conrad (N.D.), Byron Dorgan (N.D.), Russ Feingold (Wisc.), Herbert Kohl (Wisc.), Bill Nelson (Fla.), Jon Tester (Mont.), Mark Warner (Va.), James Webb (Va.), and Ron Wyden (Ore.). Independent Joseph Lieberman (Conn.) also voted no. No Republicans voted yes.

In a statement, American Medical Association President James Rohack said, “The AMA is deeply disappointed that the Senate today blocked consideration of S. 1776, legislation to preserve access to health care for America's seniors, baby boomers and military families.”

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), the legislation's sponsor, and her Democratic colleagues did not offer any way to pay for the fix, which would have cost an estimated $250 billion over the 10 years.

Republicans—and some Democrats—leapt on the bill's lack of funding, especially since President Obama has said he would not sign a health bill that added to the deficit. The SGR fix was presented by Sen. Stabenow and her supporters—including the AMA—as something entirely separate from health reform, thus possibly exempt from that promise.

“Although many will claim that their vote against cloture was a vote for fiscal responsibility, there is nothing fiscally responsible about pretending that Medicare will save money from cuts that Congress has no intention to let go into effect,” said Dr. Joseph W. Stubbs, president of the American College of Physicians.

The House is not expected to act on any physician fee fix until after it considers health reform.

To respond to this column, e-mail Dr. Eastern at sknews@elsevier.com

Legislation that would have provided a 10-year replacement of Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula was blocked when senators voted 53–47 against bringing the bill to the floor.

The sustainable growth rate (SGR) has dictated how Medicare pays physicians. For the last 7 years, the formula has required a reduction in physician fees, but each of those years, Congress has voted to reverse the cuts.

Eleven Democrats voted against cloture, a procedural motion that precedes a legislative vote: Evan Bayh (Ind.), Robert Byrd (W.Va.), Kent Conrad (N.D.), Byron Dorgan (N.D.), Russ Feingold (Wisc.), Herbert Kohl (Wisc.), Bill Nelson (Fla.), Jon Tester (Mont.), Mark Warner (Va.), James Webb (Va.), and Ron Wyden (Ore.). Independent Joseph Lieberman (Conn.) also voted no. No Republicans voted yes.

In a statement, American Medical Association President James Rohack said, “The AMA is deeply disappointed that the Senate today blocked consideration of S. 1776, legislation to preserve access to health care for America's seniors, baby boomers and military families.”

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), the legislation's sponsor, and her Democratic colleagues did not offer any way to pay for the fix, which would have cost an estimated $250 billion over the 10 years.

Republicans—and some Democrats—leapt on the bill's lack of funding, especially since President Obama has said he would not sign a health bill that added to the deficit. The SGR fix was presented by Sen. Stabenow and her supporters—including the AMA—as something entirely separate from health reform, thus possibly exempt from that promise.

“Although many will claim that their vote against cloture was a vote for fiscal responsibility, there is nothing fiscally responsible about pretending that Medicare will save money from cuts that Congress has no intention to let go into effect,” said Dr. Joseph W. Stubbs, president of the American College of Physicians.

The House is not expected to act on any physician fee fix until after it considers health reform.

To respond to this column, e-mail Dr. Eastern at sknews@elsevier.com

Legislation that would have provided a 10-year replacement of Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula was blocked when senators voted 53–47 against bringing the bill to the floor.

The sustainable growth rate (SGR) has dictated how Medicare pays physicians. For the last 7 years, the formula has required a reduction in physician fees, but each of those years, Congress has voted to reverse the cuts.

Eleven Democrats voted against cloture, a procedural motion that precedes a legislative vote: Evan Bayh (Ind.), Robert Byrd (W.Va.), Kent Conrad (N.D.), Byron Dorgan (N.D.), Russ Feingold (Wisc.), Herbert Kohl (Wisc.), Bill Nelson (Fla.), Jon Tester (Mont.), Mark Warner (Va.), James Webb (Va.), and Ron Wyden (Ore.). Independent Joseph Lieberman (Conn.) also voted no. No Republicans voted yes.

In a statement, American Medical Association President James Rohack said, “The AMA is deeply disappointed that the Senate today blocked consideration of S. 1776, legislation to preserve access to health care for America's seniors, baby boomers and military families.”

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), the legislation's sponsor, and her Democratic colleagues did not offer any way to pay for the fix, which would have cost an estimated $250 billion over the 10 years.

Republicans—and some Democrats—leapt on the bill's lack of funding, especially since President Obama has said he would not sign a health bill that added to the deficit. The SGR fix was presented by Sen. Stabenow and her supporters—including the AMA—as something entirely separate from health reform, thus possibly exempt from that promise.

“Although many will claim that their vote against cloture was a vote for fiscal responsibility, there is nothing fiscally responsible about pretending that Medicare will save money from cuts that Congress has no intention to let go into effect,” said Dr. Joseph W. Stubbs, president of the American College of Physicians.

The House is not expected to act on any physician fee fix until after it considers health reform.

To respond to this column, e-mail Dr. Eastern at sknews@elsevier.com