Ads Hit GOP On Medicare

By Chris Frates

(The Politico) 
The July recess ad wars have begun, and the still-unfinished Medicare bill has a starring role. Two of the debate’s biggest players, America’s Health Insurance Plans and the American Medical Association, have launched advertising campaigns to put the issue in front of lawmakers at home this week. When lawmakers return on Tuesday, the bill, which would prevent a scheduled 10 percent cut to doctors’ reimbursement rates, is expected to be a top issue.

AHIP, the insurance industry’s trade group, launched a nationwide cable television ad campaign to mobilize seniors in private Medicare Advantage plans against the bill’s proposed $13.8 billion in cuts to the plans. The industry is advocating that Congress find alternative ways to pay for the doctors’ fix.

“Unfortunately, nearly every Medicare Advantage beneficiary, nearly everyone, would be affected by the proposed cuts,” said AHIP president Karen Ignagni, adding that the group’s website catalogues the total number of seniors hurt in each state and congressional district.

Meanwhile today, the AMA blasted senators who opposed the legislation for siding with the insurance companies over seniors. Because of their opposition, the group said, the reimbursement cuts took effect today as scheduled. The doctors’ group began airing TV and radio ads in Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.

“The AMA is activating a full-court press – both advertising and grassroots – in the states during the Independence Day recess,” said AMA President Nancy Nielsen. “Over the month of June, more than 41,000 calls by patients and physicians have been made to Congress urging action through the AMA’s grassroots hotline alone. Physicians and patients will be holding their senators’ feet to the fire.”