ASA, AMA Urge Congress to Act Against Automatic Medicare Cuts

The American Society of Anesthesiologists has joined more than 100 other medical groups urging Congress to act against the pending Budget Control Act sequestration and Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate payment cuts.

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Automatic cuts from Medicare have been triggered over a nine-year period due to the Budget Control Act’s super committee failing to reach a deficit reduction plan. The defense budget and other federal programs will also be sequestered.

In the letter endorsed by the ASA, American Medical Association and many state medical associations, the organizations stated the Medicare cuts would undermine efforts to reform Medicare and improve the country’s healthcare system.

The letter stated, “It could lead to serious access to care issues for Medicare patients as well as employment reductions in medical practice.” The groups also argue the cuts could negatively impact the electronic health record meaningful use program, Physician Quality Reporting System and e-prescribing program.

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