News Release

Statement from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on doctor payment fix

I join the President in praising the bipartisan leaders in Congress for proposing legislation that will prevent a significant pay cut for doctors from taking effect on January 1. 

We are committed to ensuring that people on Medicare can continue to see the doctor they know and trust.  This legislation simultaneously extends critical Medicare and Medicaid policies that expire at the end of this year.  It also changes the way overpayments of the of the health insurance premium tax credit are paid back, making it fairer for recipients and all tax payers.

 I encourage Congress to act quickly to pass this proposal this week.  And, I look forward to working with the new Congress on a permanent solution to fix Medicare’s physician payment system once and for all.

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: January 03, 2011