Wyden Praises New Federal Goals and Timelines for Improving Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

Decision "Builds Upon Progress to Date"

WASHINGTON –Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today praised the announcement by Health and Human Services Secretary Burwell to accelerate Medicare’s movement to paying physicians and providers based on quality and patient-centered care.

“I applaud today’s announcement. It’s time we put our money where our mouth is,” Wyden said. “Increasing the amount of Medicare payments connected with high quality, high value care will build upon the progress already made as a result of initiatives in the Affordable Care Act. The key to improving care to all beneficiaries is to reward outcomes rather than simply paying for the number of tests and procedures performed.

“I can think of no better way to enhance these efforts than by Congress passing the bipartisan, bicameral physician payment reform bill that provides additional incentives to further improve care. I continue to be an advocate of paying for quality and value, which will be particularly important as the nation tackles chronic illness.

“I look forward to working with HHS, my colleagues and stakeholders in a bipartisan way to build upon today’s announcement to ensure that Medicare dollars are spent in the best possible way and people receive the best health care,” Wyden said.

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