HAWAII'S SENATORS VOTE TO OVERIDE PRESIDENT'S VETO OF MEDICARE BILL AND RESTORE PAYMENTS TO DOCTORS 

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators from Hawaii Daniel K. Akaka (D) and Daniel K. Inouye (D) voted today with a bipartisan majority of their colleagues to override President George W. Bush's veto of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.  The veto was overridden by a vote of 70-26 (67 votes are needed). 

"The Senate and House of Representatives today protected access to health care for our seniors, the disabled, and military families.  The veto override prevented a severe cut in reimbursements for doctors who treat Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries," Senator Akaka said, noting that TRICARE reimbursement rates are linked to Medicare reimbursement rates.  "In addition, this legislation will provide much needed resources for Hawaii hospitals that care for the uninsured and Medicaid beneficiaries.  The legislation extends $15 million in Medicaid Disproportionate Share (DSH) allotments to help Hawaii hospitals through the end of next year.  Many of our hospitals in Hawaii desperately need resources.  Layoffs have been announced and reductions in services are possible.  These DSH resources will strengthen the ability of our providers to meet the increasing health care needs of our communities.

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye said:  "I am deeply gratified that both the Senate and House overrode the President's veto of the Medicare Improvements Act.  In a bipartisan fashion, we turned back a presidential action that was tantamount to medical malpractice.  We saved Medicare, and protected our most vulnerable.  This legislation is crucial because it reverses what would have been a 10.6 percent reduction in payments to the doctors who care for millions of hard-working Americans.  It means that our seniors, our veterans, and our active-duty troops and their families will receive the health care they deserve.  And this important legislation also benefits Hawaii by extending Medicaid Disproportionate Share allotments for Hawaii, which does not have a permanent DSH share."

More information on the history of DSH allotments can be found in Senator Akaka's floor statement, available by clicking here.

-END-