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Pelosi Statement on Bipartisan Agreement on Permanent ‘Doc Fix’

March 24, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement following the introduction of bipartisan legislation to permanently fix the SGR formula for Medicare physician payments and to extend the Children's Health Insurance Plan:
"The bipartisan package unveiled today represents bold, necessary progress for our country. At long last, we will replace the broken SGR formula and transition Medicare away from a volume-based system toward one that rewards value, ensures the accuracy of payments and improves the quality of care.
"The package includes important victories for low-income seniors, children and families. We are strengthening the quality of care for many older Americans with additional funding for initiatives that help low-income seniors pay their Medicare Part B premiums. We have secured the health care of poor children with a two-year extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program at the same rates set by the Affordable Care Act. Lastly, we have secured critical funding for community health centers over the next two years, expanding a vital investment in underserved communities.
"Of course, there are many more things we wish were included. But this is a good deal, and a big step forward on many of our priorities. We have the opportunity to break free from the decade-long cycle of annual ‘Doc Fix' patches – restoring clarity to our budget, stability to providers, and certainty to our seniors. I look forward to working together on a bipartisan basis to advance this legislation in the House this week."
Issues:Health Care