New year, new hope: Momentum builds in Congress to cancel the cut
Nearly 200 members of Congress show bipartisan support
By: Kevin B. O'Reilly , AMA Senior News Editor
What’s the news: Bipartisan support to cancel the entirety of the 3.37% Medicare physician pay cut that took effect Jan. 1 is growing, with nearly 200 members of Congress co-signing a letter urging House and Senate leaders to expeditiously pass legislation to address 2024 Medicare payment cuts.
“We in Congress must continue our partnership with the physician and provider community to ensure that Medicare patients continue to have access to quality care
Physicians, who “are confronting inflationary pressures and workforce shortages
To capitalize on the grassroots momentum
Why it’s important: Without congressional intervention, Medicare physician payments will be reduced by 3.37% for the remainder of this year due to budget-neutrality requirements within the calendar-year 2024 Medicare physician payment schedule’s final rule.
In a statement, AMA President Jesse Ehrenfeld MD MPH , made clear the stakes facing patients and physicians.
“After three consecutive years of cuts to Medicare services, physicians and the patients they treat are at a crossroads. Facing a nearly 10% reduction in Medicare payments over the past four years and rising practice costs
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Reps. Miller-Meeks, Bera and Bucshon—along with Rep. Raul Ruiz, MD (D-Calif.)—are also the lead sponsors of H.R. 2474, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. That bipartisan legislation would provide physicians with an annual, permanent inflationary payment update in Medicare tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI).
While the AMA strongly supports H.R. 2474 as it is part of the longer-term effort to overhaul the flawed Medicare payment system, this letter helps draw greater attention to the short-term need to stop the 3.37% physician reimbursement cuts.
The letter came on the heels of last month’s introduction of H.R. 6683, the Preserving Seniors’ Access to Physicians Act. The bipartisan bill, which stops the 3.37% cut, in full, was introduced by Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-N.C.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Dr. Buchson and Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas).
To capitalize on the grassroots momentum associated with the letter from Representatives Miller-Meeks, Bera, Bucshon, and Schrier, physicians should contact their members of Congress and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 6683. The AMA is also proud to support H.R. 6683 and sincerely appreciates the ongoing grassroots advocacy related to stopping Medicare payment cuts.
To learn more, read the full article here.
Leading the charge to reform Medicare pay is the first pillar of the AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians.
The AMA has challenged Congress to work on systemic reforms and make Medicare work better for you and your patients. Our work will continue, fighting tirelessly against future cuts—and against all barriers to patient care.
Innovative healthcare solutions truly show the power of unity! 🙌 Like Aristotle said, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s keep pushing for change! 🌱
School board of directors Berwick Maine elected official 2011-present. at State of Maine
12moBeing on the school board of directors in the state of Maine and a lifelong Democrat I pay serious attention my son was only a year and a half old when I first was elected I've never seen so much aggravation because of one man because he lost an election, and he puts blame on everybody but himself when you point the finger at somebody else you have three coming back at yourself Donald j Trump very dangerous individual 91 indictments, the man cannot even get on most ballots he owes over $250 million dollars he is a gangster he makes the mafia look nice.
National Marketing Manager | Capitol Services
12moMedicare funds should be the last thing on the budget cuts list. Especially in the current inflationary environment. Congressional leaders have fabulous salaries, healthcare, and retirement benefits. American seniors deserve no less.
Data-Driven,result-oriented leadership, compassionate caring physician, advanced analytic skills, patient and physician advocate
12moNo more Medicare cuts in this inflationary environment . Definitely physician Medicare reimbursement need to match consumer price index ( CPI) increased every year .