The Florida Medical Association (FMA) is urging physicians to participate in a national advocacy campaign aimed at addressing Medicare payment rates for doctors. The FMA, together with the American Medical Association and other physician groups across the country, has expressed ongoing concern about what it describes as inadequate Medicare payments that threaten the financial stability of medical practices.
According to the FMA, recent reductions in Medicare reimbursement have placed both private and employed practices, including those in academic and community settings, at increased economic risk. The organization notes that many insurance payers base their rates on Medicare’s payment structure.
The FMA is asking physicians to contact their U.S. representatives weekly—preferably on Mondays or Fridays—to request support for House Resolution 879. This bill, introduced by Representative Greg Murphy, MD, proposes stopping a planned 2.83% cut to Medicare payments scheduled for January and replacing it with a 2% increase to help offset rising practice costs.
Physicians are also encouraged to share personal stories with lawmakers about how continued payment cuts impact their ability to maintain their practices and provide patient care. The FMA believes that examples highlighting effects on patients are particularly effective in communicating the urgency of this issue.
“Thank you in advance for supporting this patient-focused grassroots campaign, which will help to move HR 879 forward,” stated the FMA.
