AMA Calls for Immediate Action on SGR Repeal

The AMA recently sent an action alert to its members regarding the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, which requires immediate action by the U.S. Senate. Because this is an important issue for AVLS members, and some may not have received the AMA alert, we are making it available it to you.

Senate has unfinished business in Washington, D.C.

Recently the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that would permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, but the U.S. Senate failed to act before leaving on a two-week recess. Due to this inaction, the SGR patch expired on April 1, meaning the 21 percent cut to Medicare payments is now in effect.

The administration can only hold claims until April 15, which is why the Senate must act immediately upon return next week or risk the damage these cuts will cause in disruptions to physician practices and putting patients at serious risk of not getting the care they deserve.

Please contact your senators today and remind them that they have unfinished business here in Washington, D.C., and urge them to support H.R. 2 immediately when they return!

1. Call your senators district offices using the AMA’s toll-free Grassroots Hotline:
   (800) 833-6354.
2. Send an urgent email to your senators reinforcing the need for SGR repeal now.
3. Contact key senators still undecided on this most critical issue directly through their own social media channels and share with your own Facebook friends and Twitter followers as well!

This is urgent! The current SGR patch has expired; physicians are being hit with a 21 percent cut to Medicare – your voice is needed now, more than ever!
For more information read the bill summary (PDF) and be sure to check out fixmedicarenow.org for all the latest.