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Dear Colleagues,
As America watches, Congress continues to work through health care reform proposals. And though it now appears that a vote by both houses of Congress is not likely to occur until after their August recess, MSV is increasing its efforts to assess the situation and keep its members informed.
Understanding that the status quo in health care is no longer an acceptable proposition, the MSV board of directors acknowledges that what may replace the current system raises justifiable concern and anxiety. We have received comments from a number of members and appreciate your views and perspectives which have aided the MSV board of directors in their evaluation of proposed federal legislation against MSV’s standing policies.
In considering the current national legislative proposals, including HR 3200, the MSV board of directors has identified some positives for physicians and patients including most significantly a permanent fix to the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), which would result in the elimination of $230 billion in scheduled Medicare payment cuts to physicians. Also consistent with MSV policy is the extension of health insurance coverage to the uninsured and underinsured and enhanced levels of regulatory oversight for health plans which increase transparency, expand available information to enrollees and eliminate pre-existing condition requirements. Other favorable provisions include funding for a pilot for the patient-centered medical home model and increased Medicare funding for primary care.
Though we are encouraged by these steps, we are concerned about several significant deficiencies thus far in the proposed legislation, including the public plan option and the details regarding its reimbursement and funding mechanisms; the absence of liability reforms; lack of physician anti-trust protection; scope of practice protections and regulations related to physician ownership of hospitals.
We recognize that this legislative process will continue to evolve and that there is much work yet to be done. To this end, MSV will be communicating with the Virginia congressional delegation and the AMA about areas of support and concern, such as those issues outlined above.
I encourage you to visit www.msv.org often, where we have created a special Federal Health Care Reform section, and watch your e-mail boxes for MSV communications and grassroots instructions so that you will be up to date, informed and ready to act should MSV ask you to advocate for specific issues with your congressional representatives.
Thank you for your membership,
Thomas W. Eppes Jr., MD
President
Links:
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Important Links:
Headlines:
MSV's federal health care reform resources
Contact Information:
govtaffairs@msv.org
http://www.msv.org
800 | 746-6768 |
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