ASCO Policy Alert Published

ASCO Urges Quick Resolution to SGR Crisis

Yesterday, ASCO met with Senate leaders to make clear it is vital that Congress pass the "Medicare Improvements to Patients and Providers Act" (H.R. 6331) to stave off a 10.6 percent cut to physician payments.

There are many issues that need to be addressed in the coming weeks, but SGR cuts are an immediate crisis of devastating proportions. The medical community must stand together for the benefit of all Medicare patients.

ASCO is continuing to lobby Congress to remove prompt-pay discounts from Medicare's Average Sales Price (ASP) formula, but we do not believe this provision should be included if it jeopardizes passage of SGR legislation.

Congress needs to act quickly to avoid potentially devastating consequences to millions of Medicare patients across our nation. To expedite this critical legislation, the Senate should pass H.R. 6331 without amendment upon returning from the July 4th recess.

ASCO urges all physicians to contact their Senators over the long weekend to advocate for swift passage of H.R. 6331 when Congress reconvenes July 7.