AARP NY Statement on Key Votes by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand on Medicare "Seniors' Amendment"

ALBANY, N.Y., April 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night the U.S. Senate voted on the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 (H.R. 2) that permanently replaces the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula used to calculate reimbursements to physicians under Medicare. The Senate also voted on the Cardin-Vitter "Seniors' Amendment," which was a Key Vote for AARP.

AARP applauds the momentous bipartisan Senate vote on MACRA to repeal and replace the flawed SGR formula with an improved payment system. AARP has long advocated for a permanent SGR fix to help ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can rest assured that they'll be able to keep seeing their physicians each year.

AARP sent a letter to each U.S. Senator urging them to support the "Seniors' Amendment" to MACRA, based on bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Collins (R-ME) and Cardin (D-MD). This amendment would have removed Medicare's arbitrary cap on physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services. AARP informed the Senators that we would track their individual votes on the amendment as an "AARP Key Vote" and report back to our 38 million members and the public how each Senator votes on this key amendment.

"AARP New York applauds Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for voting for the Cardin-Vitter 'Seniors' Amendment'," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York. "Although the amendment did not pass, we appreciate the New York delegation's vote in support of Medicare beneficiaries in our state, particularly stroke victims and people with Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis, who need physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services."

AARP New York members can see how their Senators voted on the Cardin–Vitter "Seniors' Amendment" by going to U.S. Senate Roll Call. AARP will publish each Senator's 'Yes' and 'No' vote and including this information in our end-of-year legislative summary to all 38 million members at the end of the congressional session.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York