“This is a major effort in reform. For any of us who have tried to work through the present system whether we’re physicians, patients, or families of patients, I think all of us would join together in determination to change the payment system and its structure. This is a bipartisan bicameral effort to do so. It builds on the work of the Energy and Commerce Committee and it builds, Mr. Chairman, on our work with the Senate Finance Committee and the work within our own committee.
“On your side there has been much activity as there has been on our side. Many members have been vigorously active on this issue for a long time. One who has been especially active is Representative Allyson Schwartz. And I think for you today this is the beginning of fulfillment. I’d also like to recognize the efforts of our colleagues Representative Ron Kind, Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Representative Jim McDermott, and former Chairman Rangel.
“I’d also like to thank our staffs as well as those in the Office of Legislative Counsel, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service for all their tireless work and technical input that helped us get to this point.
“This is more than just a fix. This is an effort to create a new framework for physician payment in Medicare. It’s going to provide, if we can perfect it, stability and certainty. Essentially what we’re going to do is replace as soon as possible a flawed structure with a much improved one.
“It’s so important that we do this and do it right, but we’re going to have to pay for it. The cost is now reduced but its still, according to the latest estimate, $117 billion. We have to find a way to pay for this in a responsible way and not hit beneficiaries who already bear a substantial burden.
“Let me close with one other comment. Today we’re going to provide a three month fix for SGR. It’s now part of the budget bill. What we have not been able to do is make sure we also provide a three month fix for the 1.3 million at risk of losing their unemployment insurance entirely on December 28. I deeply regret that decision by the majority party.
“We’re going to have today a vote on a bipartisan product. I think it’s more than saddening we cannot ensure that both physicians won’t receive a 25 percent cut and 1.3 million unemployed Americans will not receive a 100 percent cut in their emergency unemployment benefits. “
