Greenville Reporter

Congressman Greg Murphy has reintroduced the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. The legislation aims to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries amid ongoing financial challenges due to cuts in Medicare reimbursements.

Murphy stated, "Physicians in America are facing unprecedented financial viability challenges due to continued Medicare cuts. Access to affordable and quality health care for millions of seniors is in severe jeopardy." He emphasized that doctors often treat Medicare patients out of compassion rather than financial gain, but the cost of care exceeds reimbursement rates, leading to financial pressure on physicians.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta highlighted that "Medicare payments to physicians in California’s 19th Congressional District and around the country have not reflected economic realities and rising costs of healthcare." He believes that passing this bipartisan legislation will protect seniors' access to quality care.

Congressman John Joyce pointed out the increasing consolidation within the healthcare system, which could limit access for Medicare beneficiaries. "While the price to administer high-quality care has continued to rise over the last twenty years, the Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians has continued to drop," he said.

Congressman Raul Ruiz stressed the importance of reflecting true costs in Medicare reimbursement policies: "Medicare is essential to ensuring seniors have access to care, especially in rural and under-resourced communities."

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks remarked on declining reimbursements affecting senior healthcare access: "We must act now to prevent further early retirement, burnout, and consolidation in our system."

Over two decades, physicians have effectively faced a 26% pay cut from Medicare when adjusted for inflation. Congresswoman Kim Schrier noted this decline while overhead costs increased by about 47%.

The potential consequences of reimbursement cuts were also addressed by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney: "Financial stability for providers isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s essential for protecting access to care."

Congressman Ami Bera discussed how outdated reimbursement rates challenge healthcare professionals: "Physicians...have never received an inflationary update and consistently received cuts."

The impact on local healthcare was highlighted by Congresswoman Carol Miller: "Seniors...should not lose access...because of reimbursement cuts."

Finally, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized the importance of preventing dangerous cuts: "Our bipartisan legislation would not only prevent those dangerous cuts but also ensure that seniors continue to have access..."

On January 1, 2025, a 2.83% Medicare reimbursement cut was enacted due to a rule finalized by CMS in November 2024. This comes alongside CMS’ projected 3.6% increase in practice cost expenses for this year.

The American Medical Association reports that adjusted for inflation, physician service reimbursements from Medicare declined by 33% from 2001-2025. These declines contribute significantly to challenges faced particularly in rural areas as physician shortages grow.