NEW HAMPSHIRE HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON MEDICARE “PHYSICIAN FIX” BILL

NEW HAMPSHIRE HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

STATEMENT ON MEDICARE "PHYSICIAN FIX" BILL

July 8, 2009

The New Hampshire Hospital Association (NHHA) is aware of the attention being given to the so-called "physicians' fix" legislation currently before the Congress.  We are confident that the Congress will ultimately arrive at a fair resolution of the issue and that physicians will not suffer from the delay.

NHHA is also aware that Senator John E. Sununu has been singled out by several national special interest groups as being somehow responsible for the delay in reaching that ultimate resolution.  We believe this criticism is unfair and misplaced. 

Sen. Sununu for some time has seen this legislative occasion as an opportunity to address more broadly other significant issues relating to access to health care beyond just the amount of reimbursement for doctors.  He has been working with the NHHA and others to insure that the legislation that ultimately passes will provide Medicare reimbursement relief for the broadest possible number of health care system constituents.

The NHHA is grateful for Sen. Sununu's efforts in this regard.  The legislation that will ultimately pass may well be the last meaningful opportunity in this Congress to deliver comprehensive benefits to the widest possible number of New Hampshire citizens.  Sen. Sununu's resolve and determination to not allow this opportunity to pass without fighting for this relief is greatly appreciated by the NHHA and by all New Hampshire citizens for whom our hospitals provide care.

Mike Hill

President

New Hampshire Hospital Association

(603) 225-0900

mhill@nhha.org