Dive Brief:
- The hope that the US Senate would quickly approve the 'doc fix' bill that will permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula is fading amid conservative objections over spending. The Senate is expected today to take up several amendments to the legislation.
- Some Senate conservatives are insisting that the bill, which would expand the federal deficit, be fully funded.
- Individual lawmakers in the Senate have more authority than those in the House, which means that even if they are in the minority, those who are objecting could end up causing considerable delays.
Dive Insight:
Some Senate conservatives, including Republican Jeff Sessions, are calling the House bill irresponsible because it would add an estimated $141 billion to the U.S. debt over the next 10 years. They are also pointing to an analysis by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget that says the bill would add a half-trillion dollars to the deficit over 20 years. "I'd like to figure out a way to pay for it," Republican Senator Mike Lee told Reuters on Friday.
A significant delay by the Senate would lead to a 21% across-the-board pay cut for doctors who participate in the Medicare program. In order to avoid the cuts, the Senate must pass the bill by April 15. However, according to Senator Ron Wyden, the doctors would be paid-in-full at the new rate after the bill passes.