Rep. Lee Votes to Stop Harmful Cuts to Hospitals, Doctors, Patient Care
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) voted to pass the Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act, which will stop harmful cuts to Medicare reimbursements. These cuts are set to take effect on January 1st, 2022 and would devastate frontline workers, including those at hospitals and other health care settings.
"As we continue to navigate this pandemic, it's more important than ever that we protect access to affordable, quality health care," said Rep. Susie Lee. "Without this legislation, Medicare reimbursement rate cuts will go into effect in just four short weeks – hurting patients, patients, and hospitals. I was proud to advocate for a solution to stop these harmful cuts, and today, I was proud to vote to pass that solution. The Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act will stop dangerous cuts to doctors and hospitals. Now, I urge the Senate to act quickly to pass this legislation to protect access to health care."
Earlier this week, Rep. Lee sent a letter to the White House and Congressional leadership urging quick action on a legislative fix to prevent harmful cuts to Medicare reimbursements.
The Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act will:
- Delay the 2% Medicare sequester payment reductions for three months (January 1-March 31, 2022), followed by a reduction to 1% for three months (April 1-June 30, 2022)
- Provide a one-year increase (through December 31, 2022) in the Medicare physician fee schedule of 3% to adjust for changes and provide support to fatigued health care providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency
- Delay Medicare payment reductions to the clinical laboratory fee schedule for one year (through December 31, 2022) in order to preserve access to testing and laboratory services
- Delay the implementation of the Medicare radiation oncology model for one year (through December 31, 2022) to ensure access to care for cancer patients
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