Congress Overrides Medicare Bill Veto
The 10.6 percent Medicare physician payment cut has been officially eliminated.
President George W. Bush on July 15, 2008, vetoed a bill to reverse Medicare payment cuts. Hours later, the US House of Representatives voted 383-41 to override the veto. The Senate quickly followed suit by a closer vote of 70-26.
“We are grateful that all of Pennsylvania’s lawmakers, in both the House and Senate, voted to override the veto. The payment cut would have severely harmed Pennsylvania’s physicians and patients,” said Pennsylvania Medical Society President Peter S. Lund, MD, FACS.
“As this issue evolved, our physician advocates played a significant role in securing support from our Congressional delegation. Together, we were able to have an impact on the important votes taken in Washington, DC,” Dr. Lund added.
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 extends a half percent payment increase through the end of 2008 and increases payments by 1.1 percent in 2009.
Bush said he vetoed the legislation because it cuts funding to Medicare Advantage plans.
Last Updated: 8/21/2008