Legislation providing a two-month extension of the Medicare physician payment fix and all other Medicare “extenders” passed the Senate Saturday. The House GOP baulked and passage is uncertain. It is supported by the President. Click here http://t.congressweb.com/l/?EARDQPWIRGYNSLA to read a good summary on the congressional battle. There were NO payment cuts to hospitals or other providers in the Senate bill, as had been passed by the House last week. An increase in the fees charged by government-sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae to guarantee mortgage loans was used to pay for the extension. Click here http://t.congressweb.com/l/?EARDQPWIRGORTPQ for an excellent 3-page summary of what was in the Senate bill. According to the CBO, the legislation cuts overall government spending by $3 billion. Click herehttp://t.congressweb.com/l/?EARDQPWIRGPMACR for the CBO score. The AMA blasted the deal, click here http://t.congressweb.com/l/?EARDQPWIRGECGMF.
