|
The rate cut was widely expected. It's based on a formula that takes into account spending growth. If spending growth for physician services exceeds projections, the formula dictates lower reimbursement rates. Similar cuts have been proposed every year since 2002, but Congress has stepped in every year except one to avoid them.
Physician groups warn that if lawmakers fail to step in again, many in their ranks will quit taking new Medicare patients.
But paying the doctors more next year will require that lawmakers squeeze billions of dollars from other federal programs. The American Medical Association has called on Congress to reduce payments to private insurance companies that cover beneficiaries through the Medicare Advantage program, but the insurers say such cuts would reduce benefits for millions of participants.
[Associated Press; By ANDREW TAYLOR]
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
 |
