President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) have agreed on a six-month continuing resolution that will fund the government with $1.047 trillion and avoid a government shutdown debate as the presidential race nears.
Sen. Reid said the "compromise" CR will provide stability during fall negotiations. However, measures to adjust or repeal the sustainable growth rate for Medicare physician payments and extend expiring Medicare hospital provisions were not included.
A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (pdf) estimates if the SGR is not adjusted, physicians will experience a 27 percent cut in Medicare payment rates starting in 2013. If Congress decides to reset or repeal the SGR, it could add up to $376.6 billion to the federal deficit from 2013 through 2022.
Sen. Reid said the "compromise" CR will provide stability during fall negotiations. However, measures to adjust or repeal the sustainable growth rate for Medicare physician payments and extend expiring Medicare hospital provisions were not included.
A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (pdf) estimates if the SGR is not adjusted, physicians will experience a 27 percent cut in Medicare payment rates starting in 2013. If Congress decides to reset or repeal the SGR, it could add up to $376.6 billion to the federal deficit from 2013 through 2022.
More Articles on the Sustainable Growth Rate:
Rep. Dr. Michael Burgess Proposes 1-Year Extension of SGR
6 Points on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule for 2013
SGR Alternatives Considered, But Cost of Repeal is the "Elephant in the Room"