(Washington,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
applauded the Senate passage of fully paid for legislation that reverses the
devastating 21% cut in Medicare reimbursement rates and increases doctor
payments by 2.2% for six months. This bill passed by unanimous consent
following weeks of Republicans obstruction when it was a part of the American
Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act. Although this piece of that critical
legislation passed, other pieces critical for Washington state such as the FMAP
extension continue to be obstructed.
“I
am so glad that we were finally able to pass this bill that makes sure seniors
and veterans across Washington state continue to be able to access the health
care they need and deserve,” said Senator Patty Murray. “This
was a major victory for our state’s families, but I not going to stop fighting
for other Washington state priorities currently being held up by Senate
Republicans. Extending FMAP would fill a major hole in the state budget while
avoiding a special-session of the state legislature. It would also prevent
layoffs and support families across Washington state who are reeling from job
losses and fighting to get back on their feet.”
“I
am thrilled that the Senate has passed this vitally important legislation for
our seniors and our health care providers,” Senator Cantwell said. “It
gives seniors, veterans, and the long-term disabled access to care they deserve
and provides doctors with the predictability they need without increasing the
federal deficit. Now we need to work on a long-term solution so that Medicare
users and providers are not at the mercy of congressional politics year in and
year out.”
This
bill now needs to be passed by the House of Representatives and signed by the
President early next week in order for checks to not have to be sent out to
providers that include the 21% cuts.
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