By a overwhelming majority, the Senate Wednesday passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331). The 69% to 30% margin was “veto-proof.” The bill would halt the 10.6 percent Medicare physician payment cut that went into effect on July 1 and provide a 1.1 percent physician payment update in 2009. H.R. 6331 now heads to the White House, where senior staff had indicated that they would recommend President Bush veto the bill. If he vetoes the bill, it goes back to the House and Senate for a veto-override vote, which is expected to pass.
Interestingly, it was the Democrats that carried the day. Every voting Democrat and Independent voted in favor of the bill. 30 of the 48 voting Republicans voted against the bill. In case you’re curious, Barack Obama voted “Aye.” John McCain…”no vote.” Send your cards and letters to your representative’s office, folks. Local Eye Site is just here to report the facts.
Lookup your representative’s vote here:
Tags: Medicare, Ophthalmology, reimbursements
