Kucinich Speaks in Support of Medicare Pay Reforms

Kucinich Speaks in Support of Medicare Pay Reforms | Press Release

Washington D.C. (November 19, 2009) – During debate of H.R. 3961 - Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement:

“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act. Medicare is one of the most popular government programs in part because, in contrast to private insurance plans, seniors and people with certain disabilities can have access to their doctor of choice. Doctors will be less willing to participate, however, if they are not sufficiently paid, as is the case now. I have met with doctors and doctor representatives in the Cleveland area to discuss the issue and the urgency is clear. We must maintain incentives that lead to a high standard of care. I am especially supportive of the extra growth allowance for primary care services as a small down payment toward addressing a severe shortage of primary care physicians. For those reasons, I support the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act.”

“Unfortunately, the bill also includes statutory-pay-as-you-go requirements. Our country’s economy continues to flounder in the worst downturn since the Great Depression, yet Congress insists on passing legislation that will constrain our ability to respond appropriately to our economic circumstances.”

“The nation’s unemployment rate is over 10%, and is likely to remain high well into the next year. The private sector is slashing payrolls and squeezing productivity out of the employees who remain, stubbornly refusing to contribute to an economic recovery. The government must be the spender of last resort to get Americans working again. While the Recovery Act has certainly helped to stave off a more severe economic downturn, it is obviously insufficient. We have more work to do, but pay-as-you-go requirements will only inhibit our ability to help our constituents.”

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For Immediate Release:

Contact: Nathan White (202)225-5871