Statement attributed to:
James L. Madara, MD
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, American Medical Association
"Physicians across the country join the American Medical Association (AMA) in celebrating the U.S. Senate's vote tonight to pass Medicare delivery and payment reforms that will help our nation's seniors and improve the health of the nation.
"Passage of this historic legislation finally brings an end to an era of uncertainty for Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians—facilitating the implementation of innovative care models that will improve care quality and lower costs. Patients will be able to get the care they need and deserve.
"In addition to eliminating the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, we applaud our policymakers for ensuring access to care for children, low-income individuals and families by extending funds for the Children's Health Insurance Program and community health centers.
"On behalf of our patients, America's physicians thank the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for their bipartisan and bicameral successful work to build the stable and sustainable Medicare program that will secure high-quality, cost-effective health care."
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
