• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Upload Advertising

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Physician leaders disapprove of lawmakers’ decision to link Medicare payment reform to delay in ACA mandate

Chiropractic Economics March 26, 2014

acpe_logoMarch 26, 2014 — An overwhelming majority of physician leaders believe the U.S. House of Representatives made a mistake when it linked an important initiative for Medicare reimbursement reform to a delay in the ACA’s mandate that individuals purchase health insurance, according to a new poll released by the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE).

The poll showed 80 percent of respondents did not believe repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) should be tied to a delay in the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). An additional 16 percent said they should be linked, while 3 percent were unsure.

“Repealing the outdated and ineffective SGR is not a partisan issue — it’s what’s best for healthcare,” said Peter Angood, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, FCCM, president and CEO of ACPE. “The poll results reflect the frustration many of our members feel after 17 years of short-term fixes. I believe we all feel strongly it’s time for a more permanent solution to our country’s Medicare funding challenges.”

At the urging of physicians and physician leaders, a bipartisan group of lawmakers earlier this year created a bill that would repeal the SGR, which was created in 1997 as a means of controlling Medicare spending by linking it to the country’s economic growth rate.

House republicans added a last-minute provision that would offset the cost by delaying the ACA’s individual mandate until 2019. The move deeply divided republicans and democrats, which means the bill is not likely to pass the democratic-controlled senate. The White House has also threatened to veto the measure.

The poll was delivered via email to ACPE members and 1081 responded as of March 24. Participants were also invited to share their comments on the topic.

Most of those who responded said repeal of the SGR had nothing to do with the individual mandate and they should not be connected.

“Both important issues but hate to see them leveraged one against the other,” wrote Mark Browne, MD, MMM, FAAP, FACPE, a member of the ACPE Board of Directors. “The SGR needs to be fixed … period. Keep all of the distractions out of the discussion.”

Several members said they were frustrated by house republicans for allowing political gamesmanship to threaten the passage of such an important measure.

“Trying to score political points while correcting a long-standing problem doesn’t make sense,” said Carroll Labron Chambers, MD. “The ACA may need tweaking, but that is not intrinsically linked to repeal of the SGR.”

But others said they were disappointed with democrats and the White House. They pointed out that the Obama administration has already delayed the individual mandate for people whose insurance plans were canceled, so why allow it to derail the elimination of SGR?

The poll results come as hope fades on Capitol Hill for finding a permanent solution to fix Medicare reimbursement. Lawmakers are now talking about passing yet another temporary patch, which they have done repeatedly throughout the 17-year history of the SGR.

Several ACPE members said the situation illustrates why physician leaders need to take a more active role in reforming healthcare.

“Let’s abandon the congressional rhetoric contest and improve our healthcare system now,” wrote Glenn Mitchell, MD, MPH, FACEP. “They both need fixing and they both need it soonest.”

Source: American College of Physician Executives

Related Posts

  • The road map for healthcare reform implementation continuesThe road map for healthcare reform implementation continues
  • House passes measure to abolish Medicare spending boardHouse passes measure to abolish Medicare spending board
  • American Chiropractic Association lauds U.S. Congress passing fair competition health legislationAmerican Chiropractic Association lauds U.S. Congress passing fair competition health legislation
  • HHS releases Final Rule on state exchangesHHS releases Final Rule on state exchanges
  • Medicare 21 percent physician payment cut now in effectMedicare 21 percent physician payment cut now in effect
  • House panel votes to eliminate controversial board created under PPACAHouse panel votes to eliminate controversial board created under PPACA

Filed Under: General Health, News

Current Issue

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube logoYouTube logoYouTube

820 A1A N Highway W18,

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone 904.285.6020

Fax 904.395.9118

CONTACT US »

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Copyright © 2021, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • Florida senator proposes authorization for chiropractors to give vitamin injections
  • World Federation of Chiropractic announces open virtual congress in September
  • Life West marks 40 years of promoting vitalistic chiropractic
    Life West College photo