House-Passed Doc Fix Bill Offers Protections For Physicians Against Medical Malpractice Suits
The New York Times details some of the specifics of these protections. Meanwhile, The Hill reports on why the Senate left town without finishing work on the Medicare physician payment overhaul -- thereby leaving doctor payments in limbo.
The New York Times:
House Provision Offers Doctors More Protection Against Malpractice Suits
A little-noticed provision of a bill passed by the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support would provide doctors new protections against medical malpractice lawsuits. The bill, which requires the government to measure the quality of care that doctors provide and rate their performance on a scale of zero to 100, protects doctors by stipulating that the quality-of-care standards used in federal health programs — Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act — cannot be used in malpractice cases. (Pear, 3/30)
The Hill:
Blown 'Doc Fix' Deadline Leaves Medicare Payments In Limbo
Congress was one vote away from ending its perennial Medicare “doc fix” dilemma for good, after nearly two decades of last-minute deals to prevent a healthcare meltdown. But instead of capping a rare week of productivity on Capitol Hill with the approval of a bipartisan fix ahead of a crucial Tuesday deadline, the Senate punted on the legislation in the wee hours of Friday morning. (Ferris, 3/31)
In other Capitol Hill news, McClatchy breaks down some of the amendments -- including a proposal related to Medicare Advantage -- Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., offered during the Senate's consideration of its budget resolution -
McClatchy:
For Marco Rubio, Senate Vote-A-Rama Offers Insight Into Presidential Intent
Among domestic issues, Rubio amendments would prevent cuts to the Medicare Advantage program; allow for the elimination of the retirement earnings test in the Social Security program; and allow for the elimination of Social Security payroll taxes for individuals who have attained retirement age. (Adams, 3/30)