Congress has introduced H.R. 879, known as the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, to address a recent 2.83% reduction in Medicare physician payments that began in January following congressional inaction. The proposed legislation would not only reverse these cuts but also implement a 2% payment increase for physicians to help recover some of the financial losses experienced this year.
Florida, recognized as one of the leading states for retirees and seniors, is particularly affected by changes to Medicare reimbursement rates. Maintaining financial stability for physician practices is considered important to ensure access to care and support efforts to attract and retain medical professionals within the state.
Medicare reimbursement rates have declined by over 30% after adjusting for inflation since 2000. Stakeholders argue that this downward trend poses challenges for sustaining healthcare services. While H.R. 879 does not aim to resolve broader issues related to the current Medicare payment system, it seeks to provide short-term relief from recent reductions.
“The FMA thanks Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and the other cosponsors of this resolution,” stated representatives of the Florida Medical Association (FMA). “Please contact your representative today and ask them to cosponsor the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act.”
