The Florida Medical Association (FMA) is urging physicians to join a national advocacy effort aimed at addressing Medicare payment issues. According to the FMA, ongoing reductions in Medicare reimbursements have put both private and employed medical practices at economic risk. The association notes that most insurance payers set their rates based on Medicare, increasing the impact of these cuts.
In collaboration with the American Medical Association and other physician groups nationwide, the FMA has worked for years to address this issue. However, concerns persist about inadequate payments for doctors treating Medicare patients.
The FMA is calling on its members to take action by contacting their U.S. representatives weekly until changes are made. “Please join this campaign. Stop what you are doing today and call your U.S. representative every week, preferably Monday or Friday until we get this issue resolved. Even better, visit their local office in person to make a greater impact. However, a call is essential,” the statement said.
Physicians are encouraged to ask lawmakers to support House Resolution 879, introduced by Rep. Greg Murphy, MD. The bill would reverse a scheduled 2.83% cut in Medicare payments for doctors and replace it with a 2% increase to help offset rising operational costs.
“When you call, ask your representative to support and co-sponsor House Resolution 879, introduced by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, MD. The bill stops January’s 2.83% Medicare cut forced on physicians and replaces it with a 2% payment increase to counter the rising costs of running a practice,” the FMA stated.
Doctors are also asked to share personal stories about how payment reductions have affected their ability to sustain their practices or maintain patient access to care: “Remember to share a personal story about how the ongoing cuts have affected the sustainability of your practice and/or your patients’ access to care.”
“Stories that illustrate how these cuts affect patients are the most compelling and will resonate with lawmakers,” according to the FMA.
The organization thanked participants for supporting what it describes as a patient-focused grassroots campaign: “Thank you in advance for supporting this patient-focused grassroots campaign, which will help to move HR 879 forward.”
