Washington, D.C. -- The House of Representatives voted 383-41 today to override President George W. Bush’s veto of the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act, legislation that stops a 10.6% cut in the amount doctors are reimbursed for Medicare patient services.  Cuts in Medicare’s reimbursement rates for doctors and other health care providers has led to fewer doctors willing to accept and treat Medicare patients. 

“Without this legislation, there would be fewer doctors providing Medicare services for senior citizens,” said Representative Neil Abercrombie.  “In spite of that, and knowing that Congress was going to override his veto, President Bush still tried to kill it.”  

The Medicare Improvement Act also makes these changes:

• Payment to Medicare Advantage plans will be lowered. There are private sector Medicare providers that cost 12% more than regular Medicare services.
• Doctors and other medical service providers who are delinquent in their federal income taxes will have back taxes deducted from any Medicare reimbursements they receive.
• Mental health services will have the same co-payment as any other doctor visit.

“This bill also provides needed help to lower income Medicare recipients,” said Abercrombie.  “We’ve raised the amount of income or assets a senior citizen can have and still qualify for Medicare premium assistance.”

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