For Immediate Release                                             Contact: Judith Stein

July 15, 2008                                                                            Executive Director

                                                                                                  (860) 456-7790

President Bush's veto of H.R. 6331, the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," threatens health care for millions of older and disabled Americans.  The physicians’ pay cut that HR 6331 remedies is already pushing doctors to stop accepting Medicare patients. In some cases, doctors are leaving the Medicare program entirely. The Administration espouses the virtues of private plan choice, but the President’s veto jeopardizes the most important choice for Medicare beneficiaries – the choice of doctor.

The President’s veto continues wasteful overpayments to private Medicare Advantage plans in which only a small portion of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled and which unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars.

"We are dismayed by the priorities expressed in this veto," said Judith Stein, executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy.  "The President’s action places profits for private plans ahead of the well-being of older and disabled Americans citizens, their doctors, and families."

The Center for Medicare Advocacy continues to support the courageous members of Congress who passed this legislation, and urges them to stay the course, and override this damaging veto.

Judith Stein is available for comment.