Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) voted in support of H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act -- legislation that would permanently replace the Medicare physician Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. This legislation passed out of the House by a vote of 392-37.
“This important, bipartisan legislation puts an end to the 12 year cycle of ‘doc fix’ bills and gives doctors and hospitals a reprieve from the uncertainty they have faced waiting for Congress to approve short term patches, seventeen of which have been passed over the last several years, many reducing payments to hospitals to cover the cost of the patches. Since 2003, nearly $170 billion in short-term patches has been spent to avoid unsustainable cuts imposed by the flawed SGR.” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Earlier this week, I had a robust conversation with hospital officials in New York’s 21st district who are very pleased that this legislation will fully protect hospital outpatient clinics, rural payments, and give a two and a half year extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital and Medicare Low Volume programs. These programs are critical to healthcare providers in my district and I hope the Senate acts swiftly to send this legislation to the President.”
New York’s 21st district is home to five hospitals who are part of the Medicare Dependent Hospital and/or Medicare Low Volume programs, including Adirondack Medical Center, Alice Hyde Medical Center, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Massena Memorial Hospital, and Nathan Littauer Hospital. H.R. 2 was also supported by the Healthcare Association of New York State.
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