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Mar 27, 2014
AARP Urges Congress to Act on Doc Fix

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, AARP released the following statement from Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond on the vote expected today in the House of Representatives on a short-term Sustainable Growth Rate patch:

“With the March 31 deadline looming, it is imperative that Congress act soon to prevent the scheduled 24 percent cut to Medicare physician reimbursement rates. Constant threats of large physician cuts cause beneficiaries to worry that their doctors and providers will no longer be able to see them.

“AARP would prefer a permanent SGR repeal and a move towards a reimbursement system that promotes quality and value. Given we are near the current deadline, AARP believes a short-term patch will provide temporary program stability as we work for a longer-term bipartisan solution. Congress must reassure America’s 50 million Medicare beneficiaries that their health care providers will still be able to see them.

“AARP also believes any payment reform bill should be achieved without shifting costs onto beneficiaries through higher cost-sharing or reduced benefits. Moreover, it should extend other important health provisions, such as the Qualifying Individual low-income premium subsidy program, and ensure continued beneficiary access to needed therapies and services.”

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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
media@aarp.org