Medicare Physician Payment Cuts to Take Effect April 1
March 29, 2010
The Senate failed to pass H.R. 4851, a bill that includes a 30-day extension of current Medicare physician payment rates. As a result, Congress adjourned for its two-week spring recess without addressing the impending 21.3 percent cut to Medicare physician reimbursements. The Senate plans to hold a cloture vote after the recess, which—if supported by 60 Senators—will allow a vote to occur on the legislation. The earliest that vote could take place is April 12.
As a result of Congress' failure to act, the 21.3 percent Medicare physician payment cut is set to take effect on April 1. The Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services will delay processing claims at the reduced payment rate for 10 business days.
The College has urged its grassroots network to reach out to their legislators and reiterate that a permanent repeal of the sustainable growth rate formula is absolutely essential to ensure Medicare patients’ access to care.
Get your patients involved and download an easy-to-print flier 
that educates patients on the Medicare cuts and how to contact Congress. Medicare posters are also available. To order a poster, e-mail with your address.
