Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) voted today in favor of H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.” This legislation continues to provide physicians in North Alabama and across the country with an increase in Medicare reimbursement rates.

“We are fortunate to have dedicated physicians in North Alabama who provide world-class services for their patients,” said Cramer. “Today’s vote ensures that doctors will be able to continue to provide high quality health care services to North Alabama’s seniors.”

This bill prevents the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) implementation of a scheduled 10 percent cut in Medicare and TRICARE reimbursements for physicians and other health care professionals. Instead, it extends a 0.5 percent payment update for 2008 and provides a 1.1 percent increase for 2009.
 
The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 355 – 59. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.