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Apr 15, 2015
Statement by AARP CEO on Senate Passage of Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015

En español 

WASHINGTON, DC—The following is a statement by AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins on the Senate passage of the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 that repeals and replaces the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula.

“AARP celebrates the momentous bipartisan Senate vote to repeal and replace the flawed SGR formula with an improved payment system. AARP has advocated for a permanent SGR fix for many years to help ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can rest assured that they’ll be able to keep seeing their physicians each year.

“AARP was disappointed that the bipartisan Cardin–Vitter amendment to remove Medicare’s arbitrary cap on physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services was not included. Many Medicare patients, particularly stroke victims and people with Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis would have benefitted. As a majority of the Senate agreed with the amendment, we will continue to work to remove this arbitrary coverage cap.    

“Passage of MACRA moves Medicare in the right direction toward better quality health care and greater transparency for patients. These changes will benefit Medicare beneficiaries, as well as physicians and other providers, hospitals, and the overall health care system.”   

AARP members and the public can see how their Senators voted on the Cardin–Vitter “Seniors’ Amendment” by going to U.S. Senate Roll Call.  

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About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more atwww.aarp.org.

CONTACT:
Greg Phillips, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPmedia