Doctors, AARP support new health overhaul bill

[March 20, 2010]  CHICAGO (AP) -- The nation's largest association of doctors and the AARP senior citizens' lobby are endorsing President Barack Obama's revised health overhaul legislation.

James Rohack, the president of the American Medical Association, said Friday that the pending bill isn't perfect, but it's the next step toward real reform of the nation's health care system.

The board of the Chicago-based group voted unanimously Thursday night after a review of the House reconciliation bill.

One of the AMA's top priorities is permanently ending scheduled cuts in doctors' Medicare reimbursements. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday she would try pushing such a bill through Congress soon.

In a statement Friday, AARP said the legislation "will improve health care for older Americans and their families."

[Associated Press; By CARLA K. JOHNSON]

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