LAS CRUCES - The U.S. House took action Thursday that will postpone a scheduled payment cut to doctors who treat Medicare patients. The Senate passed the measure earlier this week, which extends the program at its current level for a year, starting Jan. 1.

Prior to the vote, some had contended the financial impact to doctors because of the cut would have prompted physicians to stop accepting Medicare patients.

AARP New Mexico Executive Director Stan Cooper, in a statement, praised the action, saying it was especially "important for people living in our state's rural areas where accessing health care is often already limited."

"The bipartisan bill passed today is an important step to give seniors peace of mind about their health care, but the work is not over," he said. "When the new Congress meets next year, lawmakers must find a long-term solution and end the annual fixes that jeopardize access to doctors for the country's seniors."

Reps. Harry Teague, Martin Heinrich and Ben Lujan, all D-N.M., voted in favor of the bill. Cooper said the organization is urging President Barack Obama to sign the legislation.


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