MMA Spotlight

Division of Political and Legislative Grassroots
Date: May 23, 2006
To: State Grassroots / PAC Directors
From: Regional Political Directors (tel. 202-789-7466)
Subject: Fed Alert: SGR Grassroots Campaign

Thank You For Your Continued Support In The Fight for a Positive Update

As you know, fixing the SGR this year is a top legislative priority for the AMA. As Congress adjourns for Memorial Day recess, these next two weeks will be a prime opportunity to communicate our SGR messages to members of Congress who should be in their states and districts.

In addition to working with your physicians to have key contact meetings, make phone calls, etc., please try to place the AMA’s SGR message on the homepage of your medical society's website. We need to make it as easy as possible for physicians to get information and be involved. Additionally, if your physician members are looking for ways to involve their patients in the Medicare fight please feel free to pass along information about the AMA’s Patients’ Action Network. The best way for patients to sign up is through our website at www.patientsactionnetwork.org

When communicating with your physician members please remind them to tell their members of Congress that there are two things Congress can do to fix the broken system:

• In short term, pass legislation before the November election to increase physician payments by 2.8% in 2007, as recommended by Congress’ own Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.
• In longer term, replace Medicare’s flawed physician payment formula, known as the Sustainable Growth Rate, or SGR, with a formula that reflect increases in physician practice costs.

We know this is a busy and crucial time for each one of you in your states and we appreciate all of your efforts in the fight to fix the SGR and get a positive payment update for all of our physician members.

Thank you in advance for your help! If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your Regional Political Director at (202) 789-7466.