President's Veto Of Medicare Bill Places Corporate Profits Above People And Their Doctors, The Center For Medicare Advocacy

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Article Date: 16 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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President Bush's veto of H.R. 6331, the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," threatens health care for millions of older and disabled Americans. The physicians' pay cut that H.R. 6331 remedies is already pushing doctors to stop accepting Medicare patients. In some cases doctors are leaving the Medicare program entirely. The Administration espouses the virtues of private plan choice, but the President's veto jeopardizes the most important choice for Medicare beneficiaries - the choice of doctor.

The President's veto continues wasteful overpayments to private Medicare Advantage plans in which only a small portion of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled and which unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars.

"We are dismayed by the priorities expressed in this veto," said Judith Stein, executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. "The President's action places profits for private plans ahead of the well-being of older and disabled Americans citizens, their doctors, and families."

The Center for Medicare Advocacy continues to support the courageous members of Congress who passed this legislation, and urges them to stay the course, and override this damaging veto.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. is a national non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides education, advocacy, and legal assistance to help elders and people with disabilities obtain Medicare and necessary health care. The Center was established in 1986. We focus on the needs of Medicare beneficiaries, people with chronic conditions, and those in need of long-term care. The organization is involved in writing, education, and advocacy activities of importance to Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. The Center's central office is in Connecticut, with offices in Washington, DC and throughout the country.

Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc.