Medicare cut scheduled for March 1 -- Temporary SGR patch discussions continue

25 Februaruy 2010

Last night, Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) attempted to pass by unanimous consent the Temporary Extension Act of 2010. This package would extend for 30 days several expiring provisions, including the extension of the 2009 Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) conversion factor, unemployment insurance, and COBRA. Most of the $10 billion cost of the bill was designated as emergency spending and not offset; therefore, the SGR provision did not require an offset under PAY-GO rules. Sen. Bunning (R-KY) objected and attempted to move a similar bill that was paid for with a reduction in stimulus monies. The Senate was unable to reach consensus on this matter yesterday.

Negotiations on the 30-day extension will continue today. A vote in the Senate is not expected prior to 4 PM. The House may also vote on the 30-day extension today under suspension of the rules; this vote will require two-thirds for approval.

MSV will continue to keep you up-to-date on the 21.2 percent Medicare cut that is scheduled to take effect Monday, Mar. 1.

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