MINNEAPOLIS, October 21, 2009 – Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar both voted in favor of the “doc fix” bill that would have repealed Medicare’s SGR formula and averted steep cuts in Medicare payments to physicians.

However, the bill ultimately failed 47 to 53, with 12 Democrats and one independent senator joining all 40 Republicans. Under Senate rules, the measure needed 60 votes to advance.

“Though it is disappointing the measure failed, we want to thank the hundreds of MMA members who sent emails and made phone calls, and we want to thank our senators for voting yes on behalf of seniors and physicians,” said Dave Renner, the MMA’s director of state and federal legislation.

The AMA issued a statement expressing disappointment after the vote. “Congress needs to fix this problem once and for all to fulfill its obligation to seniors, baby boomers and military families. Permanent repeal of the Medicare physician payment formula is essential to comprehensive health system reform.”