Senate Passes Budget Deal Including 3 Month SGR Patch

On December 18, the Senate voted 64-36 to pass a budget deal that sets funding levels through 2016.  This deal included 3 month Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) "patch."

The SGR "patch" included a positive 0.5 percent payment update, and was included to allow lawmakers more time to consider pending legislation to repeal and replace the SGR.  This "patch" avoids the 21 percent SGR cut previously scheduled to begin on January 1, 2014.  

Previously, the House passed the budget deal by a vote 332-94. The President is expected to sign the budget deal soon.

ASA continues to closely monitor all efforts to repeal and replace the SGR.