WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator
Lisa Murkowski today introduced a bill that would cut through bureaucratic red
tape and allow seniors wider access to medical professionals through the Medicare
Patient Empowerment Act. “At the age when many Americans begin to need
extra medical attention, the current Medicare system puts hurdles in their path
to care,” said Murkowski. “Now more than ever, with the added scrutiny Medicare
is getting, our seniors need solutions and certainty.”
The Medicare Patient
Empowerment Act would allow patients to continue the relationship they have
with their physician, even if the doctor does not participate in Medicare or is
not taking new Medicare beneficiaries. Under the legislation, Medicare
would pay the amount typically covered, with the patient responsible – or able
to negotiate – any difference between the going Medicare rate and the
physician’s fees. It would also allow doctors to charge a lower rate for
Medicare patients – a practice currently not permitted.
“We’re not delivering on
our promise to older Alaskans and Americans, who have paid into the system for
years only to find few providers, longer waits and higher costs,” added
Murkowski. “I’m proud that this bill cuts through the mandates, paperwork and
reporting requirements and takes the D.C. bureaucrats out of the relationship
between seniors and their physicians.”
Alaska’s medical community
applauded the legislation. “By allowing patients and physicians to
independently and voluntarily contract for care, the Medicare Patient
Empowerment Act puts control back in their hands and preserves the
relationship with their physician,” the Alaska State Medical Association said.
###