The American Medical Association urges Congress to preserve health care for seniors by blocking a sizeable Medicare cut to doctors. If nothing is done by December 1, doctors will be receiving 25% less from Medicare, which will have negative repercussions for the elderly health care, the AMA (American Medical Association) announced today.

AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, M.D., said:

    “On behalf of seniors and their physicians, the AMA is urging Congress to act before a Medicare meltdown begins on December 1. Congressional action this month is the only way to stop the Medicare cut. Congress needs to keep Medicare strong for our senior patients and ensure that baby boomers will have access to physicians when they begin receiving their Medicare cards for the first time this January.”

AMA print advertisements come out in Washington D.C. this week, placing the issue right in front of lawmakers’ noses.

The advert reads:

    “They did it for us. Congress needs to do something for them…. they defended our freedom, raised our families, built our communities”

The ad appeals to Congress to do something urgently. On November 17th – White Coat Wednesday – physicians throughout the USA will be calling on the members of Congress, reminding them that what they do or do not do will have serious and long-reaching consequences for American seniors who depend on Medicare.

Dr. Wilson added:

    “Everyone in Congress knows that this cut will cause problems for seniors, and the AMA is working to turn that concern into action before time runs out this month. Physicians are united on this issue, and by calling their elected officials on Wednesday they can let them know first hand the impact a 25 percent cut will have on their ability to care for Medicare patients.”

94% of the US public is seriously concerned about the ominous Medicare cut to physicians, an AMA poll revealed. Three-quarters of adults would like to see prompt action by Congress.

Patients can contact their members of Congress by calling this number: 888-434-6200 (AMA’s Patient Action Network).

Dr. Wilson said:

    “This cut could not come at a worse time, as we are now in Medicare’s physician enrollment session for next year. Physicians want to care for seniors, but they are making decisions now about their Medicare participation status while they face a 25 percent cut. There is already a 20 percent gap between Medicare payments and the increasing cost of caring for seniors, and a cut of this magnitude could be the tipping point for physicians making difficult decisions in order to keep their medical practice doors open.”

Source: American Medial Association

Written by Christian Nordqvist