It's Time To Repair Medicare's Flawed SGR Formula!
"Fewer and fewer doctors will accept Medicare patients with each cut you make. That is not the solution to our broken health-care system."
— Wendy H. (Messa, AZ)
The current Medicare system is in need of immediate repair, and its withering condition is due in part to the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. This flawed formula creates uncertainty for patients and physicians with threats of cuts that are holding back innovation and care improvements that seniors deserve.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the cost to repeal the SGR will cost over $100 billion less than last year, so it's time to take advantage of the new, significantly reduced CBO estimate. With another steep payment cut of nearly 25 percent scheduled for January 1, 2014, now is the time to act!
Contact Congress today. Tell your senators and representative to repeal the flawed SGR formula!
Dear [Representative],
I am writing you today about my concern for the future of Medicare. The sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula presents the threat of annual payment cuts, leaving patients unsure about the stability of Medicare and holding back innovation and care improvements that seniors deserve.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the cost to prevent SGR cuts for 10 years is $139 billion, a significant reduction from 2012. It's time to be financially responsible and invest in physician payment reform instead of in temporary patches that leave the failed formula in place.
Congress must act in a bipartisan manner and protect Medicare and seniors' choice of physician by repealing the flawed Medicare formula this year.
I urge you to keep patients and seniors in mind and repair the broken Medicare SGR formula once and for all!
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
