House panel touts lower cost of ‘doc fix’ reform

A key House panel cheered Friday after congressional budget analysts revised downward the cost of a bill permanently reforming Medicare’s flawed physician payment system.

The measure, unanimously approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee in July, now costs $153.2 billion over 10 years, more than $20 billion less than once estimated.

{mosads}”I am certain that this new estimate by the CBO will accelerate the pace in passing this bill,” said Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee Vice Chairman Michael Burgees (R-Texas), the bill’s author.

“Now is the time to repeal the broken [sustainable growth rate] and replace it with a system that is good for both doctors and seniors.”

The price adjustment comes as lawmakers seek momentum for a permanent “doc fix” before the end of the year, when physicians who serve Medicare patients face a pay cut of more than 20 percent.

While some believe that lawmakers will only achieve a short-term patch in December’s remaining work days, several committees have opened the door for approving permanent reform next week. The House has also indicated that it could vote on a related bill before it leaves for the holiday recess.