Ernst Statement On Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement after voting for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 2) containing a permanent “doc fix” to replace Medicare’s Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula for physician reimbursement:

“Congress cannot continue its pattern of band-aid fixes for a fragmented Medicare payment system that fails to address the underlying issue. While this bipartisan reform legislation is not perfect, and I would have much preferred that its spending was fully offset, it does move us in the right direction by strengthening Medicare and starting the process of necessary entitlement reform.

“I supported amendments that would have mandated this bill’s spending be offset, but regrettably they did not pass. However, I ultimately made the decision to support this bill because it will provide the much needed certainty and stability that our seniors, doctors, and rural community health centers deserve.”

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