GREENSBORO, NC- State Senator and U.S. Senate Candidate Kay Hagan (D-Guilford) today urged Congress to come up with a solution to ensure that a 10 percent cut in reimbursements for doctors who care for Medicare patients is not realized when Medicare begins processing these claims in two weeks.

“While I’m pleased that doctors won’t be faced with a 10 percent cut in their reimbursement rate in the next two weeks, this delay in reimbursement cuts is only temporary. It’s incumbent upon those in Congress to act immediately to ensure that these vital caregivers aren’t forced to pay for the government’s mismanagement and poor use of funds. We need new leadership in Washington which knows how to cut wasteful spending and fund the correct priorities. But the larger question is how did we get to this point? Why is Congress looking to see what can be done in the next 14 days to correct this, as opposed to proactively planning wisely, budgeting soundly and looking longer-term? Doctors and Medicare patients should never be forced to suffer because Washington can’t balance a budget and spend within its means.

“While Congress is on break, doctors and Medicare patients alike are struggling to figure out what a 10 percent cut in reimbursements may mean for them – in terms of patient care, access and affordability. When Congress heads back to Washington on Monday, they have 7 days to figure out a solution that doesn’t hold doctors and patients accountable for Washington’s mismanagement.”