Medicare physician payment cut still scheduled for July 1 unless Senate action continues

Washington, DC-The senate failed to adopt H.R. 6331, late last night after it was agreed to bring up the bill. In a move to be able to call up the bill at a future date, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) changed his vote to "NO." Sixty votes were needed to pass the bill.

The 10.6% Medicare physician payment cut scheduled to take effect on July 1 could have been delayed for 30 days by legislation offered by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), allowing more time to come to the negotiating table. However, Senator Reid objected to this and if no further action takes place before the Senate adjourns for the July 4 recess, the 10.6% cut will take effect July 1.

All Democrats voted in favor of the bill, with the exception of Senator Reid. Nine Republicans also voted in favor of the measure: Senators Norm Coleman (MN), Susan Collins (ME), Elizabeth Dole (NC), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Pat Roberts (KS), Gordon Smith (OR), Olympia Snowe (ME), Ted Stevens (AK), and George Voinovich (OH).