WHEREAS: The Part B payments to physicians provide no increases that recognize inflation and require cost shifting from other users; and

WHEREAS: The Part B payment system fails to reward high quality and cost-effective care; and

WHEREAS: The Part B payment for mental health coverage is significantly lower than payments for other physician services; and

WHEREAS: The Part B payments for enrollees in our region are substantially lower, with an associated significantly lower range of benefits, than for all other regions of the country;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That Part B payments be increased to reflect costs in our region, and that these increases reflect the high quality services provided; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That Part B payment for mental health services be at par with the reimbursement for other physician services.