ASA and CSA say "No" to CA Medicare Payment-Based Legislation

On April 17, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) joined with the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) in expressing strong opposition to AB 3087, the California Health Care Cost, Quality, and Equity Commission. The measure would create an unprecedented politically-appointed commission to set payment rates for physicians, hospitals, and other providers in California.  The Commission would have the authority to base provider payment rates for commercial insurance on Medicare rates - a wholly inappropriate benchmark for physician anesthesiologists.  In formal comments to the committee of jurisdiction, ASA urged a halt to the "legislation before it creates a devastating atmosphere for health care in California."  The ASA commends the CSA for their lobbying and grassroots effort in CA in opposition to the harmful legislation.