A new bill introduced in Congress, H.R. 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, aims to reverse a 2.83% cut to Medicare physician payments that began in January. The legislation would not only end these cuts but also implement a 2% payment increase for physicians. This measure is intended to help offset financial losses experienced by doctors so far this year.
The Florida Medical Association (FMA) has highlighted the importance of this bill for Florida, noting the state’s large population of retirees and seniors who rely on stable access to medical care. According to the FMA, maintaining viable physician practices is crucial for attracting and retaining medical professionals in the state.
Medicare reimbursement rates have declined by more than 30% since 2000 when adjusted for inflation. While H.R. 879 does not address broader systemic issues with Medicare’s payment structure, it seeks to resolve the immediate impact of recent payment reductions.
“The FMA thanks Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and the other cosponsors of this resolution. Please contact your representative today and ask them to cosponsor the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act,” stated an FMA spokesperson.
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