Bush Chooses the Insurance Industry Over Doctors.

Reuters reports:

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have cut Medicare reimbursements to insurers and blocked a scheduled pay cut for doctors who treat patients under the government's health program for the elderly."

Bush argued the $13 billion in reimbursement cuts to insurers, such as United HealthCare Group Inc. and Aetna Inc., would reduce plan choices for seniors.

"I support the primary objective of this legislation, to forestall reductions in physician payments. Yet taking choices away from seniors to pay physicians is wrong. This bill is objectionable, and I am vetoing it," Bush said in a statement to the House of Representatives.

The House and Senate are expected to act quickly on an override and Democratic leaders believe they have the votes to overrule Bush.

What is truly objectionable is the idea that insurance companies should continue to rake in billions from Medicare while physicians are turning away patients whose only coverage is via Medicare because their reimbursement for services will be reduced.

If you also find President Bush's veto unacceptable, please join me in sending a message to Congress asking them to override this veto.