TN Senators Say Memphis Hospital Key To Their Actions On Medicare Reimbursement Bill

The Tennessee chapter of the AARP is criticizing the state’s senators for not working to delay a change in Medicare reimbursements for doctors. But Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander say they are trying to get a Tennessee hospital included in the legislation.

Last week, a Republican minority that included Corker and Alexander delayed a bill that would have changed Medicare rules. It would have stopped a 10.6% pay cut that began July 1st for doctors who treat Medicare patients.

Both senators say that they could not vote for the bill until it was “more fair” to Tennessee hospitals, particularly the Regional Medical Center at Memphis, also called the MED.

The MED is the primary emergency hospital for a 150-mile wide tri-state area.

In a written statement, Corker’s press secretary says he wants the bill to reinstate the MED’s ability to receive reimbursements for treating Medicaid and uninsured patients from Arkansas and Mississippi.

Alexander said in a written statement that he blamed Democrats for not pushing back the start date of the pay cut, and he said the bill would be resolved after the July 4th holiday.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has said it will not process any claims until July 15th, in hopes that Congress will settle the issue.