Proposed Healthcare Cuts to Reduce Deficit Compromise Patient Care

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's oldest and largest association of African American physicians, the National Medical Association (NMA) is alarmed by the recent budget negotiations which now potentially target Medicare and other healthcare programs. "Any spending cuts that reduce access to care or compromise the quality of the care delivered will not help patients and indeed will potentially harm many of our most vulnerable fellow Americans," remarked Dr. Leonard Weather, a practicing gynecologist and President of the NMA.

"Reduction in payments to teaching hospitals which train doctors may result in fewer training positions for young doctors.  Subsequently, we will have fewer well trained physicians when we actually need more physicians to take care of an aging population," said Dr. Weather.  

"Fewer doctors would mean that more people will be forced to utilize emergency rooms which may result in poorer health outcomes and more expensive care.  We fail to see how this short-sighted reasoning solves the underlying problem," the President of the NMA asserted.

As reported in the New York Times on July 4, 2011; "Negotiators said they were seriously considering cuts in Medicare payments to hospitals for uncollectible patient debt and the training of doctors; steps to eliminate Medicare 'overpayments' to nursing homes; a reduction in the federal share of some Medicaid spending; and new restrictions on states' ability to finance Medicaid by imposing taxes on hospitals and other health care providers."

Medicare and Medicaid insure more than 100 million people and account for 23 percent of all federal spending.  This makes these programs a target in any budgetary crisis, but the NMA states that you cannot put a price tag on quality of care for our elderly and disabled.  The NMA has been an unyielding and vocal supporter for Medicare since its inception; and was one of the original advocates for the creation of Medicare in 1965.

"We agree that we must get the nation's fiscal house in order, reduce the deficit, and pay down the debt. We insist however, that we cannot build a stronger nation on the backs of the sick and helpless.  Often the sicker people are already suffering disproportionately with increased burden of disease; we know that the disparity affects minority and poor patients at greater rates. We urge Congress and the Administration to find common ground in areas of the budget that do not end up compromising access to quality care," said Dr. Weather.  

"Further, as the organization of physicians who care for a large percentage of patients who will be affected, we must take a stand.  However, the NMA cannot act alone and we call upon our most valued allies; our patients, their families and other organizations to immediately contact their elected officials and stand with us in fighting for Medicare and Medicaid."  

The NMA will hold its Annual Scientific Conference and Scientific Assembly on July 23- 27th in Washington, DC.  The NMA's policy making body, the House of Delegates will be in session.  

"Our House of Delegates has a clear and resounding support for Medicare and Medicaid.  I am sure that we will once again rise as the policy making body of the NMA and the voice for the health of minority and underserved populations," said Dr. Rahn Bailey, the Speaker of the House of Delegates of the NMA and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Meharry Hospital.

To contact your elected officials, call 1-800-FED-INFO or visit www.usa.gov.

Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and their patients. The NMA repeatedly advocates for policies that would assure equitable and quality health care for all people. The National Medical Association's 2011 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly will host thousands of physicians, healthcare professionals and advocates in Washington, DC on July 23-July 27, 2011 in Washington, DC.  www.nmanet.org.

SOURCE National Medical Association