Wonderful success everyone! Please see below.
Peace,
Merla
Dr. M. Arnold, PhD, RN Licensed Psychologist - Registered Nurse Psychological Services, Behavioral Health Counseling, Consultation and Education Focused on the Needs of Older Adults Western Suffolk/Eastern Nassau Counties, LI, NY Long Term Care Settings (631) 271-9863 "It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err." Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) “It is better to know the patient who has the disease than it is to know the disease which the patient has.” Hippocrates (460 BC - 377 BC)
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APA Practice Organization
Information Alert
Date: July 9, 2008
To: SPTA and Division Federal Advocacy Coordinators
APAGS Coordinators
From: Marilyn Richmond, J.D., Assistant Executive Director for Government Relations
American Psychological Association Practice Organization
Cc: Katherine Nordal, Ph.D., Executive Director for Professional Practice
SPTA Executive Directors
SPTA Directors of Professional Affairs
CAPP
Re: Stunning Medicare Victory in the Senate
It was an amazing day in the U.S. Senate! In a stunning vote and turn of events, the Senate ended the filibuster and passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331) by a lopsided 69-30 margin. Over the 4th of July recess, psychologists and other Medicare providers kept up the pressure on targeted Senators, and through our efforts we picked up 9 more votes. In a moving moment during the roll call, Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) made his first appearance on the Senate floor since his diagnosis with brain cancer.
All Democrats, Independents and these Republicans supported ending the debate and passing H.R. 6331:
Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK), Ted Stevens (AK), Mel Martinez (FL)*, Saxby Chambliss (GA)*, Johnny Isakson (GA)*, Pat Roberts (KS), Susan Collins (ME), Olympia Snowe (ME), Norm Coleman (MN), Elizabeth Dole (NC), George Voinovich (OH),Gordon Smith (OR), Arlen Specter (PA)*, Lamar Alexander (TN)*, Bob Corker (TN)*, John Cornyn (TX)*, Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX)*, and John Warner (VA)*
* indicates Republicans who changed their votes from NAY to AYE
The APA Practice Organization strongly supported H.R. 6331, which would restore for 18 months $45 million to psychotherapy and related services cut as a result of the five-year review, halt the 10.6% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut, provide a 1.1% update for 2009, and phase in Medicare coinsurance parity.
Now that both houses have passed H.R. 6331 in the same form, the bill next goes to the President, who has unfortunately threatened to veto the measure. Should the President veto the bill, the House and Senate would likely then attempt to override the veto, which requires a 2/3 majority in each chamber. As of today, both chambers have the votes to override a veto, but, as this stunning vote indicates, a lot can happen in a short time. We will keep you posted as events unfold and your help is needed in the coming days. Thanks for your tireless efforts!
Jeff Cook, J.D.
Director of Field & State Operations
American Psychological Association Practice Organization
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5875 (Office)
(202) 336-5797 (Fax)
jcook@apa.org (Email)
