American Medical Association pushes legislation that would prevent cuts in Medicare fees – MedCity Morning Read, Oct. 16, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Medical Association has launched a television ad campaign to encourage Congress to pass a bill that would lead to higher payments for doctors who treat Medicare patients, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

If approved, the $247 billion bill – introduced Tuesday by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat – would avert cuts in Medicare fees over the next decade, including a 21 percent reduction scheduled for January, according to the AP.

Senate Democrats plan a vote next week, according to MedPage Today. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said he and other Republicans will offer amendments to offset the cost of the bill, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

Meanwhile, the AMA ad, which features senior citizens and doctors, will run in 12 states, the AP said.

The ad, posted on the AMA Web site, urges viewers to contact their senators and ask them to pass the legislation, which will “protect seniors’ access to quality care.”

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