Federal Watch
February 1st, 2013
AGS is tracking developments of interest to geriatrics health professionals in order to provide weekly updates for our readers via our List Serv, americangeriatrics.org, our Facebook page, and our Twitter feed. This week, we update you on a recent letter that we signed in support of non-defense discretionary programs, which are currently at stake. In addition, we share a new report on various policy options to control Medicare spending and update you on the effects of competitive bidding on Medicare pricing. Lastly, we ask that you please visit our Health in Aging Advocacy Center to urge your members of Congress to permanently replace the flawed Medicare physician payment formula and protect access to care for our nation's frail older adults.
AGS Signs on to Letter Urging Congress to Support “NDD” Programs
AGS recently signed on to a letter circulated by the Coalition for Health Funding, urging Congress to take a balanced approach to deficit reduction that avoids further cuts specifically regarding non-defense discretionary or “NDD” programs. These programs are core functions which government provides for the benefit of all, including medical and scientific research; education and job training; infrastructure; public safety and more. Every day these programs support economic growth and strengthen the safety and security of all Americans. As you are aware, with the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, sequestration was delayed for two months until March 1. However, the threat to NDD programs remains very real. AGS will be sure to share this final sign on with our members.
Report of Interest - Kaiser Family Foundation Details Medicare Spending
The Kaiser Family Foundation recently released a report detailing a wide range of policy options to control Medicare spending, including raising the eligibility age, implementing delivery system reforms and using a premium support model. To view this report, please click here.
Medicare expands competitive bids for medical equipment
The AP reports that Medicare is undergoing price cuts due to a variety of factors. Of particular interest, according to Medicare Deputy Administrator Jonathan Blum, “it’s due to competitive bidding making inroads against wasteful spending.” Competitive bidding for home medical equipment, is now being conducted in nine cities throughout the US, and is expected to expand to 100 metro areas, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. The AP reports, “Some seniors may have to switch suppliers, but taxpayers will save nearly $26 billion over 10 years.” To read more, please visit here.
How You Can Help
Repeal of the SGR and comprehensive Medicare payment and delivery reform. AGS launched a public policy advocacy campaign asking members of Congress to fix the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Formula that continues to mandate cuts in Medicare payments year after year. Recently, Congress reached an agreement to postpone the impending 27% payment through the end of 2013. Although the recent deal provides a temporary patch to these cuts, AGS is deeply disappointed that lawmakers have missed an opportunity to permanently replace the flawed Medicare physician payment formula and protect access to care for our nation's frail older adults. We encourage you to contact your members of Congress and urge them to call for both the repeal of the SGR and comprehensive Medicare payment and delivery reform.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Susie Sherman, Senior Coordinator of Public Affairs & Advocacy, ssherman@americangeriatrics.org.
Modified On: February 1st, 2013
