Despite the threat of a presidential veto, the House of Representatives passed legislation that will prevent a 10 percent Medicare payment cut to doctors scheduled to take place July 1, improve Medicare coverage of preventive and mental health services and eliminate enrollment barriers for low-income programs. HR.6331 passed 355 to 59, more than the two-thirds needed to override a veto.

The successful House vote will force a second Senate vote, scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 26. Earlier this month a similar bill was presented to the Senate, but failed to receive the 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles. It did, however, receive support from 9 Republican senators, whose support we will still need on Thursday. We call upon them, and their colleagues, and upon all of the Democrat senators to be present and to cast their vote for people with Medicare.

HR.6331, The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, will give doctors a modest pay raise instead of the drastic 10 percent Medicare pay cut that will take effect if Congress does not act. A pay cut could make more doctors reluctant to take on new Medicare patients and make it harder for older adults and people with disabilities to get the care they need.

The bill also makes long overdue improvements to Medicare by providing improved access to preventive services and parity in coverage for mental health services. It will also help more people with Medicare living below or just above the poverty level ($867 per month for an individual) get help with their drug costs and medical bills.

Additionally, HR.6331 will restrict the ability of insurance companies to use hard sell tactics for Medicare private health plans or to market plans without ensuring plan enrollees will have adequate access to doctors, specialists, local hospitals and other providers. It is these provisions—the ones that help people with Medicare and force insurance companies to change their practices—that have prompted a veto threat from the Bush administration. The bill needs 67 votes to be impermeable to this treat.

Some senators will fall in line behind President Bush and vote against the companion legislation in the Senate (S.3101). But, with your help, many more, both Republicans and Democrats, will vote for for this legislation. Write your senator or call 1-866-622-2184 to connect toll-free to the Capitol Switchboard. Ask for your senator by name, tell them you live in their state and that you want them to cast a vote for The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act and for people with Medicare.