Whew, we dodged the bullet for a little while at least!
The Senate agreed to vote on a bill delaying 21.2% Medicare slashing for doctors from April 1 to May 1. The bill would also extend unemployment compensation benefits and COBRA as well as some tax breaks. Though Democrats in Congress have set the clock to October 1 for the reduction with a possible freezing of the cut for five years.
Republicans criticized the bill for contributing to the federal deficit.
CMS- the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will cut checks for the full amount owed on services rendered if the Senate extends the effective date.
It is a relief to see that Congress realizes the havoc that would occur if Medicare cuts were indeed taking place.
After passing a bill that will cost the American people 1 trillion dollars, worrying about the deficit is hardly going to make a dent in the real problem.
Thank goodness they came to their senses!
