WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, AARP released the following statement from Joyce Rogers, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, in reaction to the bipartisan agreement on the Medicare physician payment formula:

“AARP is encouraged by the bipartisan agreement reached to fix Medicare’s flawed physician payment formula and replace it with a system that rewards health care professionals for the quality and value of the services they provide. 

“In order to guarantee the best possible care, we urge Congress to require quality measures to be endorsed by a consensus-based entity which includes stakeholder input and provides uniformity to the development process. Additionally, we remain concerned that health care extenders, which protect Medicare beneficiaries, were not included in this policy proposal. AARP believes the Qualifying Individual (QI) low-income premium subsidy must be made permanent. Congress must ensure the QI program and other vital support programs are available to help low-income beneficiaries pay for the cost of care.

“As Congress moves forward and looks at ways to pay for this important legislation, AARP urges Congress to seek responsible options, many of which AARP has previously recommended. Since Medicare beneficiaries already pay for a portion of the annual provider payment increases through their Part B premiums, we ask Congress to reject proposals that unfairly ask America’s seniors to pay more by offsetting the cost of this policy fix on the backs of seniors.”

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

CONTACT: 
Allyson Funk
@allyfunk or @AARPmedia
202-434-2560 or media@aarp.org