Medicare Patient Empowerment Act
Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-GA) introduced H.R. 1700, the Medicare Patient Empowerment Act, on May 3, 2011
(see summary). This bill, in line with AMA policy, would allow Medicare patients and their physicians to enter into private contracts without penalty to either party. It would enable beneficiaries to use their Medicare benefits to see physicians who do not accept Medicare, as opposed to paying for the entire cost of their care out-of-pocket as required under current law. On May 22, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced S. 1042, the Medicare Patient Empowerment Act, in the Senate.
In addition, the AMA testified on May 5, 2011 before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on "The Need to Move Beyond the SGR," which included a section on private contracting (pages 13-14).
Medicare Patient Empowerment Act Action Kit
CMS letter to AMA re: Medicare "Fourth Option" for Non-participating Physicians, March 15, 2012
State and specialty medical association sign-on letter sent on May 19 to House representatives who have not yet cosponsored H.R. 1700
AMA letter to Rep. Price supporting H.R. 1700, the "Medicare Patient Empowerment Act," May 5, 2011
Want to take action on this issue? Learn if your representative and senators have co-sponsored H.R. 1700 and S. 1042 and then send an email to your representative and senators urging support of this important piece of legislation. Be sure to sign the petition at www.mymedicare-mychoice.org/.
Listen to a one-hour archived webinar on My Medicare, My Choice recorded June 8, 2011.
