On the recordDecember 9, 2010
I speak today in support of H.R. 4994, the ``Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010.'' This legislation blocks a 25 percent fee cut that is scheduled for Medicare physician payments on January 1, 2011. A cut of that magnitude would jeopardize the access of seniors and people with disabilities to their doctors. Likewise, military families who rely on TRICARE need this legislation, because TRICARE uses Medicare rates and would also face a huge fee cut on January 1. The recent practice of Congress to legislate on physician payments several times per year needs to stop. Upon enactment, this will make the fifth SGR bill Congress has passed in 13 months. I am pleased that this legislation, unlike other recent SGR bills, would address the problem for an entire year. However, a 1-year solution is far less than the Medicare program ultimately needs. Congress must eventually confront the SGR permanently. The House has previously passed a permanent solution to the SGR problem. I hope that the next Congress is able to follow up on that work and fix this problem once and for all. This bill also ensures the continued ability of Medicare beneficiaries to access therapy benefits to help them recover from illness. And it contains other important technical changes to maintain the smooth functioning of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Other provisions of this bill help low income Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
