"We are distressed that The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, S.3101 did not reach the floor for a vote yesterday, June 12, even with the valiant efforts of some 54 Senators, both Democrats and Republicans.  We lament the missed opportunity this represents," says Judith Stein, Executive Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc.  Ms Stein notes that S3101 offered good things for providers and beneficiaries alike, reduced the cut in physician reimbursements scheduled for July 1, and made improvements in Medicare by reducing excessive payments to private Medicare plans - payments that are made at the expense of beneficiaries and the traditional Medicare program.  In addition, S3101 would have reduced cost-sharing requirements for mental health services and would have made it easier for Medicare to pay for preventive services.

We are also stunned that the White House, in its Statement of Administration Policy (“SAP”) against S3101, continues to muddy the waters about the cost and benefit of private Medicare plans.  "People like these plans until they need services," notes Ms Stein.  "Then, they find that they can’t get the services they need and have difficulty seeing specialists."  She also notes that many private plan enrollees are younger and come from employer network plans.  They don’t know that traditional Medicare allows beneficiaries to see any doctor, and they don’t know that plans can change benefits and cost sharing each year, making these plans far less stable than traditional Medicare.  "The White House completely ignores the needs of the 80% of beneficiaries in traditional Medicare," says Ms. Stein, "and fails to point out that all beneficiaries and all taxpayers pay more for Medicare because of overpayments to MA plans.  These costs threaten the very existence of Medicare."

The Center for Medicare Advocacy thanks the 54 bold senators from both parties who voted for S3101.  As Medicare negotiations resume, we urge them to continue to fight for fair payments to doctors and fair coverage for older and disabled people.

Judith Stein is available for comment.