AMA Morning Rounds compiled this summary of news coverage.
Obama signs healthcare bill into law.
The signing of the healthcare reform legislation received very extensive, and overwhelmingly positive, media coverage, much of it casting the event as a historic occasion and as a major triumph for the President and his party. While Republicans continued to appear confident that the new law will be an electoral boon for them this fall, some analysts are now predicting that the win on healthcare gives Democrats new momentum and could change the political dynamic of recent months.
The bill itself is being described in generally positive terms. ABC World News (3/23, lead story, 2:45, Sawyer) said in its lead story last night, devoted to the bill signing at the White House, "As of today, it is the law of the land that every man, woman and child in America will have healthcare coverage." ABC (Tapper) added that Obama "was as happy as we've seen him, perhaps since the inauguration." The CBS Evening News (3/23, lead story, 3:00, Smith) led its broadcast announcing that this is "the closest the nation has ever come to universal coverage," and added that "ecstatic Congressional Democrats treated the President and Vice President like conquering heroes."
NBC Nightly News (3/23, lead story, 3:05, Williams) reported, "It was the end of the fight" Obama "staked his presidency on, and for him a crowning achievement." In his remarks, "the President took pains to highlight reforms that will happen immediately, and nightmare scenarios that won't." USA Today (3/23, Hall), the Washington Post (3/24, A1, Wilson), the New York Times (3/24, A19, Stolberg, Pear), the AP (3/24, Loven), and the Los Angeles Times (3/24, Nicholas, Parsons) also cover the story.
Showing posts with label reform. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reform. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Healthcare reform passes House 219-212
Last night the House passed the Senate-approved healthcare reform bill 219-212. After passing the bill, the House proceeded to approve "key changes" to it, "part of a prearranged agreement to guarantee passage of the historic legislation. The changes passed by a 220-211 vote. That bill now goes to the Senate for final approval, where it only requires a simple majority to pass. Passage in the Senate and signing by President Obama is expected to occur quickly in the next few days.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Senate Passes Health Reform Bill
In a 60-39 party line vote, the Senate passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the morning on December 24.
Prior to the Senate vote, AMA President-elect Cecil B. Wilson, MD, announced the Association's backing during a Dec. 21 Capitol Hill appearance with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D, Nev.) and other top Democrats. Dr. Wilson noted that the leaders had amended the bill to eliminate some earlier provisions that had prompted AMA concerns, such as a one-year Medicare pay patch that would have led to a projected 23% cut in 2011, an elective cosmetic surgery tax and a proposed Medicare enrollment fee.
But the AMA will continue to push for additional changes to the legislation during the conference negotiations. The Association, for instance, said it will not support a final House-Senate bill unless lawmakers make key revisions to: a proposed independent Medicare advisory board that could impose pay cuts on physicians, a plan to release Medicare data in the form of physician performance reports, and a requirement that doctors participate in Medicare quality reporting or face penalties.
In order to preserve AMA backing for the health system reform bill, the Association said Congress must also demonstrate that it is on track to approve separate legislation permanently repealing the Medicare physician payment formula before the current rate freeze expires at the end of February.
Prior to the Senate vote, AMA President-elect Cecil B. Wilson, MD, announced the Association's backing during a Dec. 21 Capitol Hill appearance with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D, Nev.) and other top Democrats. Dr. Wilson noted that the leaders had amended the bill to eliminate some earlier provisions that had prompted AMA concerns, such as a one-year Medicare pay patch that would have led to a projected 23% cut in 2011, an elective cosmetic surgery tax and a proposed Medicare enrollment fee.
But the AMA will continue to push for additional changes to the legislation during the conference negotiations. The Association, for instance, said it will not support a final House-Senate bill unless lawmakers make key revisions to: a proposed independent Medicare advisory board that could impose pay cuts on physicians, a plan to release Medicare data in the form of physician performance reports, and a requirement that doctors participate in Medicare quality reporting or face penalties.
In order to preserve AMA backing for the health system reform bill, the Association said Congress must also demonstrate that it is on track to approve separate legislation permanently repealing the Medicare physician payment formula before the current rate freeze expires at the end of February.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
AMA Supports Senate Health Reform Bill
After carefully evaluating the changes contained in the manager's amendment filed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the AMA Board of Trustees voted to support passage of H.R. 3590. In a letter of support to Sen. Reid, the AMA noted the need for additional changes in the final conference committee agreement that reconciles the differences between the House and Senate bills.
The AMA Board's decision to support passage of the amended version of H.R. 3590 is consistent with the recommendation from the AMA Council on Legislation that the AMA support H.R. 3590 while seeking additional changes in the House-Senate conference committee agreement. Check the AMA website for more detailed analysis.
The AMA Board's decision to support passage of the amended version of H.R. 3590 is consistent with the recommendation from the AMA Council on Legislation that the AMA support H.R. 3590 while seeking additional changes in the House-Senate conference committee agreement. Check the AMA website for more detailed analysis.
Friday, November 20, 2009
House Repeals SGR
The AMA Bulletin below provides a good summary of the bill and House actions that led to passage.
By a vote of 243-183 today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3961, a bill that repeals the current Medicare physician payment formula, known as the sustainable growth rate (SGR), and replaces it with a new framework. Michael Burgess, MD, (R-Texas), a former AMA alternate delegate was the sole Republican to vote for final passage.
This legislation would replace the SGR with a new formula that creates two updates: GDP +2 for Evaluation and Management services and GDP + 1 for other services. Additional technical changes will avoid the accumulation or compounding of debt that occurred with the SGR formula.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-Calif.), House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), the bill's sponsor Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), and the Obama Administration were strong advocates for passage of H.R. 3961.
House Republican leadership offered a last-minute alternative that would have provided for 2 percent updates over the next four years, reverting back to the SGR and steep cuts. Also, it would have offset the cost with medical liability reforms modeled after California and Texas laws. The AMA opposed the motion to recommit because we do not support any temporary "patches" for the SGR. A permanent repeal is long overdue. The motion to recommit with medical liability reform provisions was ruled non-germane. A second GOP alternative providing for a two-year "patch" was defeated by a vote of 177-253.
The battle now shifts back to the Senate. While action to permanently repeal the SGR was blocked in the Senate last month, the Obama Administration and several senators support a permanent replacement of the SGR formula. The health system reform bill released by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) provides for a one-year reprieve with a steeper cut in 2011. The AMA does not support temporary patches that further grow the problem.
No one expects Congress to allow the 21 percent cut scheduled for Jan. 1 to occur. We regret that Congress has deferred action until the "eleventh hour." The AMA will redouble our efforts in the Senate and with the Obama Administration to achieve a permanent solution.
By a vote of 243-183 today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3961, a bill that repeals the current Medicare physician payment formula, known as the sustainable growth rate (SGR), and replaces it with a new framework. Michael Burgess, MD, (R-Texas), a former AMA alternate delegate was the sole Republican to vote for final passage.
This legislation would replace the SGR with a new formula that creates two updates: GDP +2 for Evaluation and Management services and GDP + 1 for other services. Additional technical changes will avoid the accumulation or compounding of debt that occurred with the SGR formula.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-Calif.), House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), the bill's sponsor Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), and the Obama Administration were strong advocates for passage of H.R. 3961.
House Republican leadership offered a last-minute alternative that would have provided for 2 percent updates over the next four years, reverting back to the SGR and steep cuts. Also, it would have offset the cost with medical liability reforms modeled after California and Texas laws. The AMA opposed the motion to recommit because we do not support any temporary "patches" for the SGR. A permanent repeal is long overdue. The motion to recommit with medical liability reform provisions was ruled non-germane. A second GOP alternative providing for a two-year "patch" was defeated by a vote of 177-253.
The battle now shifts back to the Senate. While action to permanently repeal the SGR was blocked in the Senate last month, the Obama Administration and several senators support a permanent replacement of the SGR formula. The health system reform bill released by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) provides for a one-year reprieve with a steeper cut in 2011. The AMA does not support temporary patches that further grow the problem.
No one expects Congress to allow the 21 percent cut scheduled for Jan. 1 to occur. We regret that Congress has deferred action until the "eleventh hour." The AMA will redouble our efforts in the Senate and with the Obama Administration to achieve a permanent solution.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009
Call your U.S. Representative today!
Next week, a floor vote is planned in the House of Representatives on H.R. 3961, the “Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009.” This legislation would permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that calls for annual cuts in Medicare physician payments, and replace it with a new, more rational payment system.
In less than two months, Medicare payments will be slashed by more than 21 percent because of the SGR formula. Past short-term patches have only made the problem worse. This is the time to solve the problem once and for all, to preserve access to care and provide physician practices with the financial stability they need to help build a 21st century health care system.
It is imperative that you contact your U.S. representatives today to ask that they vote for H.R. 3961.
Call (800) 833-6354, the AMA Grassroots Hotline, to be directly connected with your representative.
Tell your representative:
•Congress must fulfill its obligations to Medicare patients and military families covered by TRICARE.
•Short-term patches that only make future cuts deeper and the cost of a permanent solution more expensive are not the answer.
•The fiscally responsible solution is permanent repeal of the SGR formula.
•Vote “YES” on H.R. 3961.
Send an e-mail directly to your representative through the AMA Grassroots Action Center at www.ama-assn.org/go/grassroots.
Next week, a floor vote is planned in the House of Representatives on H.R. 3961, the “Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009.” This legislation would permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that calls for annual cuts in Medicare physician payments, and replace it with a new, more rational payment system.
In less than two months, Medicare payments will be slashed by more than 21 percent because of the SGR formula. Past short-term patches have only made the problem worse. This is the time to solve the problem once and for all, to preserve access to care and provide physician practices with the financial stability they need to help build a 21st century health care system.
It is imperative that you contact your U.S. representatives today to ask that they vote for H.R. 3961.
Call (800) 833-6354, the AMA Grassroots Hotline, to be directly connected with your representative.
Tell your representative:
•Congress must fulfill its obligations to Medicare patients and military families covered by TRICARE.
•Short-term patches that only make future cuts deeper and the cost of a permanent solution more expensive are not the answer.
•The fiscally responsible solution is permanent repeal of the SGR formula.
•Vote “YES” on H.R. 3961.
Send an e-mail directly to your representative through the AMA Grassroots Action Center at www.ama-assn.org/go/grassroots.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
AMA House of Delegates Committed to Health System Reform
As the House of Representatives passed a health reform bill this weekend, the AMA House of Delegates is holding its Interim Meeting in Houston. Delegates have introduced a number of resolutions related to health system reform. Some are supportive of current bills and measures, while others are critical. After lengthy testimony regarding health reform in reference committee hearings on Sunday, the HOD voted on Monday to reaffirm its committment to existing health reform policies in Substitute Resolution 203, maintaining support for H.R. 3962. View resources that show exactly which proposals are supported and opposed.
AMA President J. James Rohack, MD noted, "H.R. 3962 is not the perfect bill, and we will continue to advocate for changes that help make the system better for patients and physicians as the legislative process continues." The AMA will continue to support H.R. 3961 to repair the broken Medicare SGR formula and keep pushing for liability reforms that will reduce the costs of defensive medicine.
AMA President J. James Rohack, MD noted, "H.R. 3962 is not the perfect bill, and we will continue to advocate for changes that help make the system better for patients and physicians as the legislative process continues." The AMA will continue to support H.R. 3961 to repair the broken Medicare SGR formula and keep pushing for liability reforms that will reduce the costs of defensive medicine.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
House Passes Health Reform Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a health reform bill Saturday night by a vote of 220-215. The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) makes many changes to the current health system. The key purpose of the bill is the expansion of health coverage to the uninsured and underinsured through subsidies financed by increasing taxes on high earners ($500,000 individual, $1,000,000 married filing jointly) and cutting costs in the current system. The Congressional Budget Office predicts the 10-year cost of these changes is $1.054 trillion. The bill does not make significant changes to medical liability laws or address the flawed Medicare SGR formula.
Senate leaders have been working to complete their own version of a health refrom bill that will be different from the House bill. If the Senate is able to pass a bill, then members from both chambers will have to reconcile the two different bills into a single bill that would then have to pass both chambers.
Senate leaders have been working to complete their own version of a health refrom bill that will be different from the House bill. If the Senate is able to pass a bill, then members from both chambers will have to reconcile the two different bills into a single bill that would then have to pass both chambers.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Vote on SGR
Wednesday's vote to limit debate and proceed to consideration of legislation (S. 1776) to repeal the SGR, erase the existing debt, and freeze physician payments at current rates for 10 years failed. This was a disappointing blow to physicians and supporters. A majority of senators from both parties agree the formula is flawed. The vote seems to have failed because (1) moderate senators who agree the SGR is a problem could not overlook the deficit implications and (2) Senate Republican leadership portrayed this as a test vote on Democrats' health reform legislation.
Unfortunately, temporary fixes that override the formula simply make the problem worse. In 2005 it would have cost $48 billion over 10 years to repeal the formula. Physicians that year faced cuts of 3.3%. Today it would cost $245 billion and the 2010 scheduled cut to physicians is 21.5%. Visit the Health System Reform website to stay current on this and other reform issues.
Unfortunately, temporary fixes that override the formula simply make the problem worse. In 2005 it would have cost $48 billion over 10 years to repeal the formula. Physicians that year faced cuts of 3.3%. Today it would cost $245 billion and the 2010 scheduled cut to physicians is 21.5%. Visit the Health System Reform website to stay current on this and other reform issues.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Medicare Physicians Fairness Act of 2009
Contact your senators in support of S. 1776. With the introduction in the U.S. Senate of S. 1776, the "Medicare Physicians Fairness Act of 2009," earlier this week, the AMA urges all physicians to contact their senators and tell them to support this critical piece of legislation that would eliminate Medicare's sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula.
S. 1776 will be the subject of a cloture vote in the coming days. The Senate needs 60 votes to invoke cloture to allow formal consideration of the bill. A vote on final passage is expected to occur late next week, either on Oct. 22 or 23. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), along with President Barack Obama, are all strongly supporting passage of S. 1776.
Send an e-mail to your senator, or call the AMA grassroots hotline at (800) 833-6354 and be connected directly to your senators' offices. Learn more about S. 1776 in the latest edition of the AMA's Health System Reform Bulletin.
S. 1776 will be the subject of a cloture vote in the coming days. The Senate needs 60 votes to invoke cloture to allow formal consideration of the bill. A vote on final passage is expected to occur late next week, either on Oct. 22 or 23. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), along with President Barack Obama, are all strongly supporting passage of S. 1776.
Send an e-mail to your senator, or call the AMA grassroots hotline at (800) 833-6354 and be connected directly to your senators' offices. Learn more about S. 1776 in the latest edition of the AMA's Health System Reform Bulletin.
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