Bill Introduced to Provide One-Year Extension to Medicare Rates

According to ModernHealthcare, U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) has introduced legislation that would provide a one-year extension for Medicare physician payment rates.

The bill, "Assuring Medicare Stability and Access for Seniors Act of 2012," would provide payment certainty throughout 2013 as lawmakers develop a long-term Medicare physician payment program that is different from the current Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula.

Congress has continually ignored its responsibility in finding a long-term solution to the flawed Medicare SGR formula only to step in at the last minute to provide temporary relief just before steep payment cuts are scheduled to take effect. Physicians are once again facing a reimbursement cut of about 30 percent on Jan. 1, 2013 unless Congress intervenes.

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