Senate leaves for recess with no action on SGR repeal 

Despite a successful vote in the House yesterday, the Senate failed to bring to a vote legislation to repeal the flawed Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula before leaving for April recess early this morning. MGMA is extremely disappointed that the Senate failed to enact permanent SGR repeal legislation before the March 31 deadline and will allow a 21% physician payment cut to take effect April 1. It is imperative that the Senate return from recess ready to pass this legislation. Tune into Wednesday’s Washington Connection for more information on what happens next.

MGMA president and chief executive officer Halee Fischer-Wright, MD, MMM, FAAP, released the following statement:

MGMA: Specter of a 21% decrease in reimbursement is looming over nation’s caregivers

“MGMA is extremely disappointed the Senate failed to act on permanent SGR repeal and will allow a 21% physician payment cut to take effect on April 1. We urge the Senate to vote to repeal the SGR immediately upon return from the April recess and remove its dark cloud over physician group practices.”

MGMA has repeatedly urged Congress to put an end to temporary short-term patches and pass a permanent solution to the SGR. Join the effort! Contact your Senators and urge them to repeal SGR once and for all.