Berkley Votes To Protect Payments To Doctors Who Treat Medicare Patients
*** Blocks Mandatory Cuts in Physician Reimbursement Rates That Threaten Access to Medical Care for Older Americans, TRICARE ***
November 19, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today voted to protect payment rates for doctors who treat Medicare patients in Nevada and nationwide. The legislation would prevent a mandatory 21% reduction in reimbursement rates for physicians who serve those covered under Medicare. The House passed H.R. 3961, The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, on a vote of 243 to 183.
“Nevadans covered under Medicare could find themselves unable to see the doctor if we do not put a stop to these drastic cuts. Our package will protect the ability of seniors in Las Vegas to continue seeing their regular doctor by making sure that physicians are fairly paid for the vital services they provide,” said Berkley. “And we protect access to physicians for members of the military and their families since physician payment rates in TRICARE are tied to those used by Medicare.”
In a speech this afternoon from the House floor, Congresswoman Berkley outlined her support for the physician payment legislation.
“It is long past time that Congress took up legislation to permanently reform Medicare’s flawed physician payment formula. If Congress doesn’t act to pass this legislation, doctors will face a cut of 21% on January 1st. This reduction would force many doctors to stop seeing Medicare patients, creating a crisis in access to care for millions of seniors around the country,” said Berkley.
“With one of the fastest growing senior populations in the country, my district of Las Vegas would be especially hard hit. Rather than another temporary patch, this bill would bring stability to both patients and providers, ensuring appropriate reimbursement for physicians and continued access to care for Medicare patients,” Berkley said.
The bill enjoys the support of the American Medical Association, AARP, the Military Officers Association of America, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, the American College of Surgeons, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, the Medicare Rights Center, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and others.
Berkley Announces $2.2 Million In Stimulus Funding For Expanded “Early Head Start”
*** Added Resources Will Be Used to Open 150 Additional Slots for Valley Families ***
November 19, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (NV) today announced that Nevada will receive $2.2 million in federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for expansion of Early Head Start services provided through the Sunrise Children’s Foundation.
“Early Head Start helps parents keep their babies healthy and happy and introduces our little ones to learning at a young age, benefiting these Nevada kids,” said Congresswoman Berkley. “This program promotes healthy practices at all stages of early development and growth, helping to ensure success for our children today and in the future. The Early Head Start program provides our youngest Nevadans a strong first step down the path of lifelong success and the stimulus funds provided by this grant will help expand access to these critical services for 150 additional Valley families.”
According to the Sunrise Children’s Foundation, Early Head Start provides services that promote infant and toddler health and development, fosters positive family relationships and supports parents as the primary decision makers and nurturers of their children. More information can be found at www.sunrisechildren.org/earlyheadstart.
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