For several years Congress has been forced to fix the Medicare “sustainable growth rate formula” so that doctors could continue to receive a fair amount for services performed. Each year there is a threat, begun with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, that doctor fees will be cut by 21%. Doctors aren’t paid substantially by Medicare as it is, and the 21% pay cut threatened access for patients, as many doctors threatened to stop taking Medicare patients. Congress passed a series of one year “fixes” but now the President has signed a bipartisan bill that eliminates the cut once and for all.
Finally Fixed – Medicare no longer on a year to year basis
May 20, 2015