Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) is releasing the following statement regarding the recent House passage of H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, to repeal the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula and replace it with a long-term, sustainable plan.

“I am pleased to announce that our nation is one step closer towards meaningful entitlement reform. Over the past 11 years, Congress passed 17 temporary one-time fixes to keep physician payments stable. The kicking-the-can down the road approach is not an acceptable solution for our providers and patients. While H.R.2 was not perfect, it was time for Congress to eliminate the flawed SGR formula and replace it with a much needed, long-term fix that focuses on quality care and provides certainty for our seniors, doctors, and taxpayers.

I am proud to represent three major healthcare providers in my district; Baylor Scott and White Memorial Hospital, Seton Healthcare, and St. David’s Healthcare. These three facilities are vital to our community and I thank them for the excellent services they provide. I look forward to seeing first-hand the positive effects of a better Medicare physician payment system that results in quality and affordable patient care both within my district and all across America.”

###