Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deane Beebe
Communications Director
212-204-6219
dbeebe@medicarerights.org
Medicare Rights CenterFebruary 9, 2005
Statement Regarding GAO’s Study on Access to Doctors for People with Medicare Fee-for-Service Coverage New York, NY – The Government Accountability Office (GAO) study reflects statistically the experience of our clients. Nearly all people with Medicare, except those in Medicare HMOs, report satisfaction with their ability to see the doctor they choose. In most cases, where a doctor is not seeing new Medicare patients, the doctor is not accepting privately insured patients either.
It is a delicate balance to pay doctors enough, but just enough, to maintain access for people with Medicare. In our real life experience, consumer service organizations like the Medicare Rights Center, as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, must monitor this balance carefully.