The AMA last month threw its substantial weight behind the most aggressive
option for health reform under consideration in Congress. The AMA's unexpected
announcement of its support of the America's Affordable Health Choices Act of
2009 (HR 3200)—one of three major health reform measures moving through
Congress—was based in part on the bill's plan to replace the
often-criticized funding formula for physicians under Medicare, a move that
the AMA has long advocated.
"This legislation includes a broad range of provisions that are key
to effective, comprehensive health system reform," said AMA President J.
James Rohack, M.D. "The status quo is unacceptable."
The endorsement came at a critical time for the bill, which was approved by
two committees but held up by fiscal conservatives on a third panel in
mid-July.
Information on the AMA endorsement is posted at<www.ama-assn.org/go/hr3200>.