Bipartisan Medicare bill introduced

Bipartisan leaders of the House Energy and Commerce and House Ways and Means committees on Tuesday introduced H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act.

The legislation would permanently replace Medicare’s sustainable growth rate (SGR).

"Finally, after a decade of trying, we have a bipartisan bill that will permanently repeal the flawed SGR and move Medicare to a health care system based on quality and efficiency that is good for seniors and doctors alike,” Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said. “As with any bipartisan effort, this legislation reflects give and take on both sides. However, we have come to a balanced compromise that will end uncertainty in the system, extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program, fund Community Health Centers, and make permanent the qualifying individual program that helps low income seniors pay their Medicare premiums."

The bill builds on H.R. 1470, the SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act, to replace the SGR formula with a stable payment system promoting higher quality care for seniors.

"This legislation provides a real opportunity to create stability for seniors and doctors by doing away with the flawed SGR system and replacing it with one that rewards quality and innovation," Ways and Means Committee ranking member Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) said.

The house is expected to consider the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act this week.