CMS announced yesterday that Medicare Advantage rates for 2016 will increase by an average of 1.25 percent, a reversal from the 0.95 percent cut CMS proposed in February. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. fought against the proposed cuts that would have increased costs for seniors and blocked their access to care. He offered the following comment:"As a doctor, I know firsthand how critical… Read more »
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a bipartisan, historic package to restore certainty to our seniors and to Medicare physicians, and to end the decade-long cycle of annual “doc fix” patches, repealing and reforming the flawed Medicare payment system known as the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Read more »
Following the introduction of bipartisan legislation to permanently fix the SGR formula for Medicare provider payments, Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. released the following statement:"As a doctor who's cared for many seniors who rely on Medicare, I know how much of a lifeline it is to our parents and grandparents. That's why we need to fix the flawed formula for reimbursing Medicare health… Read more »
Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. today joined with 23 other Members of Congress from both parties to introduce the Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures (PRIME) Act of 2015 to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid."As a doctor, I know how important it is to both strengthen Medicare for our seniors and reduce runaway health care costs," said Bera.… Read more »
As a measles outbreak that is believed to have started in California's Disneyland has spread to 14 states with no signs of its slowing, Congressman Ami Bera M.D. urged people to get vaccinated. The latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show more than 102 people are now infected. Bera offered the following comment:"As a doctor and former chief medical officer of… Read more »
After weeks of delay, the U.S. Senate today confirmed Dr. Vivek Murthy to be the next U.S. Surgeon General. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. offered the following comment:
"I'm thrilled the Senate has confirmed Dr. Vivek Murthy as our next surgeon general. As a practicing physician and instructor at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a champion of innovation in medicine, and a leader in the medical… Read more »
Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. met yesterday with Sacramento County Public Health Officer, Dr. Olivia Kasirye to discuss Sacramento County's emergency response and preparedness for Ebola and the upcoming flu season.Bera asked about the County's plan and specifically about how lessons from the Ebola issues in Dallas are being incorporated into training and supplies here in Sacramento… Read more »
Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. met with Rob Lynch, CEO of VSP Vision Care (VSP) today to celebrate World Sight Day and to discuss The Small Business and Family Relief Act, a bill to delay a new tax VSP is facing. Read more »
Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. addressed the America's Health Insurance Plans Medicare conference today as the organization's featured speaker."As a doctor, I know firsthand how critical strengthening Medicare is for our seniors," said Bera. "Medicare Advantage plans cover 45 percent of Medicare recipients in Sacramento County, nearly 100,000 seniors, and deliver improved health outcomes… Read more »
Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. spoke out in support of the Not My Boss' Business bill Thursday. The bill would address the Supreme Court's misguided decision in Hobby Lobby v. Burwell."I look at this not as a member of Congress, but as a doctor," said Bera. "I took an oath to put my patients first and my job is to sit with my patient, answer her questions, talk about the risks and benefits of… Read more »
