The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 extends numerous expiring Medicare and Medicaid programs, thus sparing physicians, hospitals and other health care providers significant Medicare and Medicaid payment cuts. This On the Subject provides an overview of the most significant Medicare- and Medicaid-related provisions in the Temporary Continuation Act.

Physicians, hospitals and other health care providers were spared significant Medicare and Medicaid payment cuts last week by the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (Temporary Continuation Act), legislation that delays the expiration of nearly a dozen tax, Medicare and Medicaid programs. The legislation, H.R.3765 was approved by both chambers of Congress and signed by President Obama on December 23, 2011.