Senators Speak about IME
on Senate Floor
May 3, 2002- Senators Robert Torricelli (D-N.J.),
Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) took the
opportunity May 1 to discuss on the Senate floor during "morning
business" the upcoming FY 2003 reduction to Medicare
Indirect Medical Education Payments (IME). Citing the millions
of dollars in reductions to IME payments if the FY 2003 cut
is allowed to go through, the senators discussed the cut's
impact on research, medical education and patient care and
urged their colleagues to support legislation that would prevent
the cuts.
The senators related the financial impact that would be felt
around the country. Said Torricelli, "I recognize the
perception is that [the IME cut] is our problem, or New York's,
or California's or Illinois." Torricelli proceeded to
cite specific IME losses for Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Maine,
New Mexico, North Dakota and other states. "My colleagues,"
he said, "we are in this together."
The senators also discussed the impact the IME cuts would
have on teaching hospital missions. "If we go forward
with the cuts as planned," said Clinton, "I believe
we set back the cause of clinical trials, of lab research
that is going on right now that might hold out a cure for
one of us or a loved one." Clinton went on to suggest
that the cuts could "close departments, lead to layoffs
and furloughs of highly trained doctors, nurses, and other
medical personnel." Clinton even expressed concern about
potential harm to patients.
The senators urged their colleagues to consider such consequences
and support legislation that would prevent the IME's reduction.
Stated Schumer, "As the Senate begins to craft Medicare
provider legislation, I urge all my colleagues to stand with
me in ensuring that any Medicare provider package includes
a repeal of the IME cut." Schumer offered that he "would
have a very hard time supporting any Medicare provider package
that does not include IME relief."
"We need to do everything we can to make sure they stay
healthy and provide the kind of care we have come to take
for granted" stated Clinton.
Sen. Torricelli's remarks can be found in the May 1 Congressional
Record on p. S3588; Sen. Schumer on p. S3591 and Sen. Clinton
on p. S3594.
Information:
Lynne Davis Boyle, Assistant Vice President
AAMC Government Relations
ldavisboyle@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
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