(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) will vote today to override the President’s veto of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act.

“It is regrettable that the President has stalled this important measure, potentially jeopardizing access to Medicare services for millions of seniors and people with disabilities,” said Langevin. “Overriding his veto will affirm Congress’s commitment to ensuring continued access to care for America’s Medicare beneficiaries.”

This measure contains a number of important provisions, including increased access to low income assistance, additional supports for rural providers and beneficiaries, and an extension of access to therapy services through 2009.  Additionally, this bill delays the impending 10.6 percent cut in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2008.  Instead, it freezes payments for the remainder of 2008 and provides a modest 1.1 percent increase in 2009.  This legislative fix, although temporary, will help ensure that access to care is not compromised and physicians can continue serving our most vulnerable populations. 

“It is my hope that Congress will use these next 18 months as an opportunity to find a permanent and sustainable solution for the flawed reimbursement formula so that it more accurately represents the costs of providing care in the current market,” continued Langevin.

Also included in this bill is a provision to delay Medicare’s competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment.  H.R. 6331 halts the implementation of the competitive bidding program for one year, while making necessary improvements to the bidding process and establishing quality standards for suppliers.
 
On June 24, the House passed H.R. 6331 by a vote of 355 to 59.  On July 9, the Senate passed the bill 69 to 30. 

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