The American Medical Association (AMA) is asking physicians to sign an online petition in support of private Medicare contracting. The petition will help build support in Washington D.C. for H.R. 1700/S. 1042 – The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act. This bill would allow seniors to use their Medicare benefits to see any physician they choose, and would give physicians the opportunity to enter into private contracts with some or all of their Medicare patients without having to formally "opt out" of the Medicare program for two years. You can sign the online petition to support Medicare private contracting at www.MyMedicare-MyChoice.org. This website also allows you to send an urgent message to your U.S. representative and senators in support of this critical legislation and access talking points, a video on private contracting, Web stickers for your practice website and other advocacy features.