H.R. 5916
PATIENTS' ACCESS TO PHYSICIANS ACT (PAPA)

Introduced by the Honorable John D. Dingell on July 27, 2006

TEXT of the Legislation, including original cosponsors

"The current Medicare physician payment formula is viewed as flawed...The Patients' Access to Physicians Act (PAPA) would provide a temporary reprieve from these payment cuts scheduled for physicians in Medicare...In addition, the legislation would protect beneficiearies from any additional premium increases that would otherwise be caused by this change in physician payments for these two years."
-- Summary of the legislation

"It is critical that Congress protect the right of beneficiaries to see their doctor in Medicare.  The vast majority of seniors and people with disabilities are and will remain in Medicare where they hafe the freedome to choose their own doctor and get the care that is right for them."
-- Statement of the Honorable John D. Dingell upon introduction of the legislation

Dingell Introduces Bill to Halt Medicare Physician Payment Cuts, Rising Premiums
-- News Release, July 27, 2006

Letters of Support

"On behalf of the 71,000 Fellows at the American College of Surgeons (College), I would like to thank you for your efforts to address the unsustainable cuts in the Medicare physician payment systemd scheduled to take effect at the beginning of next year."
-- Letter from the American College of Surgeons, September 21, 2006

"The ACOFP, and the 23,000 osteopathic family physicians it represents, applaud your leadership on this important issue."
-- Letter from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, September 5, 2006

"As President of the American Osteopathic Association, I want to thank you for introducing the 'Patients' Access to Physicians Act of 2006'."
-- Letter from the American Osteopathic Association, August 28, 2006

"On behalf of the members of the American Medical Association (AMA), I am writing to express our appreciation for your introduction of legislation providing a temporary reprieve from the Medicare physician payment crisis."
-- Letter from the American Medical Association, August 2, 2006