Collective Voices of You and Your Patients Crucial to Reverse 21 Percent SGR Cut

In a procedural vote today, the Senate failed to pass the proposed 19-month Medicare physician pay fix. As a result, a seven-month fix is expected to be considered tomorrow, but it is unclear if Senate leaders have the votes necessary to even pass this proposal.

The CMS hold on processing claims ends Thursday. If Congress does not act by the deadline, claims submitted June 1 and after will be processed with the 21 percent sustainable growth rate (SGR) cut.

We need to continue to aggressively push for full repeal of the SGR pay formula. We must keep the pressure on Congress! You can help, and your patients also need to get involved to let Congress know how dire this situation is.

• Contact your senators if you have not already done so and call for a permanent repeal of the SGR formula
• Ask your patients to write to their senators, telling them to permanently fix Medicare physician payment Medicare Options

Medicare participation options are listed on the AMA website. While physicians cannot change their participation status until November, they can opt out of the program at any time.