Part B of the 2010 Medicare trustees report has projected an annual spending growth of only 5.3 percent over the next five years, assuming scheduled physician pay cuts occur starting on Dec. 1, according to an American Medical News report.
Physician rates are scheduled to decline 23 percent on Dec. 1, an additional 6.5 percent in Jan. 2011 and 2.9 percent in 2012. Critics say the cuts are unrealistic and therefore the future growth rate predictions are based on data that is almost certain to change.
The American Medical Association warned that the success of the Medicare program depends on Congress allowing adequate access to payment care.
The 2010 Medicare trustees report was released on Aug. 5, three months later than usual, to allow actuaries more time to calculate the impact of the reform statute on the program.
Read the American Medical News story on the 2010 Medicare trustees report.
Read more on health reform:
-HHS Announces $250M in Grants for New Primary Care "Access Points"
-Compliance with Health Reform Law Could Cost Insurers More Than Expected
Physician rates are scheduled to decline 23 percent on Dec. 1, an additional 6.5 percent in Jan. 2011 and 2.9 percent in 2012. Critics say the cuts are unrealistic and therefore the future growth rate predictions are based on data that is almost certain to change.
The American Medical Association warned that the success of the Medicare program depends on Congress allowing adequate access to payment care.
The 2010 Medicare trustees report was released on Aug. 5, three months later than usual, to allow actuaries more time to calculate the impact of the reform statute on the program.
Read the American Medical News story on the 2010 Medicare trustees report.
Read more on health reform:
-HHS Announces $250M in Grants for New Primary Care "Access Points"
-Compliance with Health Reform Law Could Cost Insurers More Than Expected