AARP Calls on Congress to Keep Doctors in the Medicare Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2011

CONTACT:
Media Relations
202-434-2560
media@aarp.org

AARP Calls on Congress to Keep Doctors in the Medicare Program
Urges Congress to act by year end to prevent a large Medicare physician pay cut

WASHINGTON – AARP Senior Vice President Joyce Rogers released the following statement following the House of Representatives’ vote on the Medicare physician reimbursement package passed by the Senate:

“Today’s vote calls into question whether millions of seniors in Medicare will continue to be able to get the care that they need.  Unless Congress acts by the end of the year, physicians who treat Medicare beneficiaries will face a nearly 30 percent reduction in their Medicare reimbursements.  And more physicians may choose to no longer take Medicare patients due to this dramatic cut to their payments. 
 
“Our members have a clear message for Congress: don’t cut our doctors' Medicare payments. For too many years, Congress has furthered the anxiety of people in Medicare with an annual ritual of gamesmanship with Medicare physician reimbursement rates.  We once again must urge Congress to act to keep doctors in the Medicare program and give seniors the peace of mind they deserve.”

For more information, please contact AARP Media Relations by phone (202-434-2560) or by email (media@aarp.org).

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with nearly 35 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. 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. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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