Capitol Insight: Dec. 3, 2009
As Health Reform Legislation Moves Along, Questions and Concerns Remain
The US Senate’s vote on Nov. 21 to begin debate on health system reform legislation was one more step in the congressional process. Previously, the US House of Representatives had approved HR 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
But will these steps move the nation closer to a better health care system and, more importantly, better health care for patients?
The Pennsylvania Medical Society, while pleased with several of the elements of this legislation, has serious concerns about the lack of any substantive medical liability reform, a permanent fix to the Medicare physician payment system, and protections for the patient-physician relationship.
The State Society has analyzed federal legislation, using our Eight Essential Principles of Health System reform for comparison. Read a summary of our analysis.
House Passes Repeal of Medicare Payment Formula
The US House of Representatives, by a party-line vote of 243-183, passed HR 3961, a bill that repeals the current Medicare physician payment formula known as the sustainable growth rate (SGR).
Medical Society Sends Letter in Support of Medicare Payment Reform
Medicare payment reform is an essential component of health system reform that will ensure patient access to high quality health care, Pennsylvania Medical Society President James A. Goodyear, MD, wrote in a letter to Pennsylvania Sens. Arlen Specter and Robert Casey Jr.
Mcare Raid: A Toolkit for Action
Galvanized by the Mcare raid earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Medical Society is building a network of physicians to help us in our work to ensure that lawmakers are committed to preserving Pennsylvania medicine. Sign up to get updates on our campaign and to learn about future opportunities to become a local leader.
Last Updated: 12/3/2009