by Ron Seman
Early last week, Congress took welcomed, but temporary, action to block a 21.2 percent reduction in Medicare and TRICARE payments for doctors treating Medicare and TRICARE patients.
On March 2, H.R. 4691 was passed and signed by the President as Public Law 111-144. The bill once again delays the cut, through April 1, giving lawmakers additional time to look at the matter. At last word, Congress was considering a second measure that would bar Medicare and TRICARE rate cuts through September of this year.
The report is included in the weekly update of the National Association for Uniformed Services.
The root cause of the problem, according to NAUS, is the establishment of the complex Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate formula that Congress implemented in 1997 as a cost-control measure. In simple terms, the SGR establishes "spending targets" for annual healthcare expenditures based on growth in the gross domestic product. If costs exceed the target, reimbursement rates are adjusted downward the following year.
Over the years, Congress has consistently stepped in to avert the scheduled reductions in physician payments. Each time it steps in the flawed formula compounds the size of the cut scheduled for the next year. As a result, the formula presently calls for an enormous 21.2 percent cut that would, if implemented, devastate TRICARE.
Doctors would be less likely to accept new Medicare or TRICARE patients and more likely to drop existing patients from these two programs altogether. For retired military and their families. TRICARE would become a hollow benefit, a promise unrealized.
Lawmakers have known of problems with the SGR for a decade but action to correct it has been continually postponed. With your support and help, the NAUS says, NAUS will continue to be vocal on this important matter and put Congress on notice that we're intent on keeping our earned benefits on track and available. Any other result is unacceptable.
-:-:-:-
Vets Groups Testimony: During the week of March 1, the first invited group of veteran and military service organizations began giving their annual testimony before a joint House and Senate Veterans' Committee. Welcomed by House Chairman Bob Filner and Senate Chairman Daniel Akaka, the organizations made their recommendations for actions they believe should be taken this year.
Almost unanimously all of the groups called for increased funding for those service members who are suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Additionally, most of the groups called for claims processing to be sped up as well as an increase in benefits.
"More groups are scheduled to testify later in the month and on a related note NAUS will be presenting our views before a House Veterans' Affairs Summit on suggestions we might have to assist VA in speeding up disability claims." Additionally, NAUS is slated to present testimony before the House VA/Milcon Subcommittee also later in March.
-:-:-:-
Girl Scout Cookies: "Operating Sweet Appreciation," sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 38 with support from Equal Honor For All, is raising money to send 2,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
If you would like to help, the girls are collecting donations through Equal Honor For All via checks given to Girl Scouts, or mailed to Equal Honor For All, or a deposit to the dedicated account "Equal Honor For All-GSC for Troops" at any Charter One Bank branch.
Boxes of cookies will be delivered to the USO of Northern Ohio for shipment in their care packages to the troops.
Donations are being accepted now through Friday, March 12. For more information, call Jennifer Mendeluk, 440-315-5117, or Ray Saikus, 216-514-7001. Donation forms are available at www.equalhonor.org.
Equal Honor For All is a charitable organization established to honor and remember our men and women veterans of all generations, those serving, and future defenders of our country.
-:-:-:-
Congratulations: To Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, who received honors from two prominent veterans groups, the Ohio National Guard Association, and the Blinded Veterans of America. "Senator Brown has been a champion for the Soldiers and Airmen of the Ohio National Guard for almost two decades," said Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general. "On behalf of the almost 17,000 members of the Ohio National Guard, we honor him for his staunch support of our organization."
-:-:-:-
Remember our gallant men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Keep them in your daily prayers. Write a letter. And fly Old Glory in their honor! God Bless!