DJP Update 4-4-2012 Sign the petition! Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (HR 1700 & S. 1492)
Time for leadership! Tell folks to stop grousing around the coffeepot and take a positive step to maintain access to care.
Get everyone to sign the petition. Also contact your elected officials to co-sponsor the Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (HR 1700 and S. 1492).
The petition is available at: http://mymedicare-mychoice.org/
Remember, the old advice: “You can’t make it up in volume if you lose money on every sale!” What good is an insurance card for the patient if the patient can’t find a doctor to accept the price-fixing of Medicare (and Medicaid!)? Australia, in its Medicare system, allows doctors and patients to negotiate the “gap” regardless of the government amount allocated for the treatment.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
http://mymedicare-mychoice.org/
Seniors today who want to see a doctor who does NOT accept Medicare must pay entirely out of their own pocket. Fortunately, legislation has been introduced in Congress (HR.1700/S.1042) that would allow patients to use their current Medicare coverage to help cover the cost of seeing a non-Medicare doctor. For visits to these doctors, Medicare would pay the amount it typically covers today, with the patient paying the doctor directly for the difference between what Medicare pays and what the doctor charges. Seniors would be informed of any additional costs before seeking treatment.
This issue is about allowing seniors to see any doctor they choose and still take advantage of their Medicare benefits. Help build momentum on Capitol Hill to pass HR.1700/S.1042 and sign our petition to Congress on this important issue.
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http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/advocacy/current-topics-advocacy/practice-management/medicare-patient-empowerment-act.page
Medicare Patient Empowerment Act
Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-GA) introduced H.R. 1700, the Medicare Patient Empowerment Act, on May 3, 2011
(see summary). This bill, in line with AMA policy, would allow Medicare patients and their physicians to enter into private contracts without penalty to either party. It would enable beneficiaries to use their Medicare benefits to see physicians who do not accept Medicare, as opposed to paying for the entire cost of their care out-of-pocket as required under current law. On May 22, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced S. 1042, the Medicare Patient Empowerment Act, in the Senate.
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Stay well.
Donald
Some past selected DJP Updates can be found at: http://djpupdate.com/
Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD
Intrepid Resources® / The Medical Risk Manager Company
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