[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      MEDICARE IMPROVEMENTS FOR PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2008

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 6331, 
the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. The 
14th Congressional District of New York, which I represent, is home to 
18 hospitals--perhaps more than any other district in the nation. Of 
course, along with hospitals come physicians who regularly report to me 
about the crisis of healthcare in this country. I am grateful that H.R. 
6331 helps America's doctors while also significantly helping Medicare 
beneficiaries and hope that the other body will act swiftly on this 
much needed legislation.
  H.R. 6331 eliminates the pending 10.6 percent cuts in the Medicare 
Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) to physicians for the remainder of 2008 
and provides a 1.1 percent update in payments for 2009. I have 
thousands of doctors in my district who tell me that the uncertainty of 
Medicare payments makes it increasingly difficult to plan for expenses. 
Unfortunately, we are seeing that for many doctors, the response to the 
uncertainty is to stop taking new patients, or even more dire, end 
their participation with the Medicare program. This is catastrophic for 
patient access and care. This bill is a positive first step toward 
eliminating that uncertainty and allowing time for Congress to develop 
reforms to the current system.
  I am proud that this bill strengthens Medicare for those 
beneficiaries who are in greatest need and ensures access to good 
quality care while remaining fiscally responsible. I thank Chairmen 
Dingell and Rangel for this important bill and urge my colleagues to 
support America's seniors by voting in favor of H.R. 6331.

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