Thanks to your support, today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the "Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act," by a substantial bipartisan margin-392 to 37. Now we must focus all of our efforts on ensuring the Senate will do the same. Your Academy's Health Policy and Legislation Committee members, along with all of organized medicine, have made this a top priority for years, and we need your help today.
While we do not have much time, it is still possible for H.R. 2 to pass both chambers of Congress before the April recess begins tomorrow morning. The Senate will decide whether to take up the bill tonight following a lengthy series of planned votes on the budget resolution. They will need to agree to an expedited process for that to occur.
Please take a moment to send a customizable email asking your Senators to vote "yes" on H.R. 2 before adjourning for the April recess. Or, call your senators using the AMA's toll-free Grassroots Hotline: 1-800-833-6354.
Template Letter
Fix Medicare Now – Vote “YES” on H.R. 2 before April Recess
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 2, the "Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act," by a substantial bipartisan margin-392 to 37. I urge you to vote "yes" on H.R. 2 before adjourning for the April recess.
We must stay committed to repealing the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula and work to build the momentum necessary to pass legislation that will repeal the SGR and enact Medicare physician payment reform.
Congress cannot afford to abandon this critical issue. Congress must work with America's physicians and finally repeal the SGR formula. Let's move toward a Medicare program that supports physicians for providing high-quality, patient-centered health care.