Congress has introduced H.R. 879, known as the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, which seeks to reverse a 2.83% cut in Medicare physician payments that began in January. The bill would not only end these cuts but also provide a 2% increase in payment rates for physicians to help offset financial losses experienced this year.
Florida, with its large population of retirees and seniors, is identified as a state that would benefit significantly from this legislation. Supporters argue that reversing the cuts and increasing payments are necessary steps to keep physician practices financially stable and to ensure Florida can continue to attract and retain qualified medical professionals.
According to data cited by advocates, Medicare reimbursement rates have dropped more than 30% since 2000 when adjusted for inflation. While H.R. 879 does not address all long-term issues with the Medicare payment system, it is designed to tackle the immediate challenges created by recent reductions.
“The FMA thanks Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and the other cosponsors of this resolution,” said representatives from the Florida Medical Association. “Please contact your representative today and ask them to cosponsor the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act.”
