Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331) was a bill in the 110th Congress "to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to extend expiring provisions under the Medicare Program, to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, to enhance low-income benefit programs, and to maintain access to care in rural areas, including pharmacy access, and for other purposes." (Official title.)

Current status

 * Jul 15, 2008: The Senate attempted to override the President's veto of this bill, and the vote passed, by roll call vote. The totals were 70 Ayes, 26 Nays, 4 Present/Not Voting.


 * Jul 15, 2008: The President issued a veto on this bill.


 * Jul 15, 2008: The House of Representatives attempted to override the President's veto of this bill, and the vote passed, by roll call vote. The totals were 383 Ayes, 41 Nays, 11 Present/Not Voting.


 * Jul 9, 2008: This bill passed in the Senate by Unanimous Consent. A record of each representative's position was not kept.


 * Jun 26, 2008: This bill failed a cloture motion, preventing consideration of the bill, in the Senate by roll call vote. The totals were 58 Ayes, 40 Nays, 2 Present/Not Voting.


 * Jun 24, 2008: This bill passed in the House of Representatives by roll call vote. The vote was held under a suspension of the rules to cut debate short and pass the bill, needing a two-thirds majority. The totals were 355 Ayes, 59 Nays, 20 Present/Not Voting.



Key votes
The bill, which was introduced June 6, 2008, is a bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to extend expiring provisions under the Medicare program, to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, to enhance low-income benefit programs, and to maintain access to care in rural areas, including pharmacy access, and for other purposes.





The House passed the bill on June 24, 2008.





President George W. Bush vetoed the bill, but the House (by vote of 383-41)and the Senate (by vote of 70-26) overrode the veto on July 15, 2008.

Supporters

 * Americal Clinical Laboratory Association
 * American Academy of Family Physicians
 * American Academy of Ophthalmology
 * American College of Physicians
 * American College of Radiology
 * American Medical Association
 * American Osteopathic Association
 * American Society of Anesthesiologists
 * Louisiana State Medical Society
 * National Association of Chain Drug Stores
 * National Association of Community Health Centers
 * National Community Pharmacists Association
 * National Council on Aging
 * NETWORK

Opponents

 * Neurosurgery: On Call

External articles

 * Kevin Drum, "Medicare Advantage," the Political Animal blog on WashingtonMonthly.com, July 7, 2008.