A bill introduced in Congress, H.R. 879, known as the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, aims to end the 2.83% cut to Medicare physician payments that took effect in January. The legislation proposes a 2% payment increase for physicians to help recover some of the financial losses experienced so far this year.
According to supporters, Florida is among the states most affected by these cuts because of its large population of retirees and seniors. They argue that without relief, it may become more difficult for physician practices in Florida to remain financially viable or for the state to attract new medical professionals.
Medicare reimbursement rates have dropped by more than 30% after inflation since 2000. While H.R. 879 does not seek to reform the overall Medicare payment system, which some stakeholders say is in need of significant changes, it does attempt to resolve the immediate impact of recent payment reductions.
The Florida Medical Association (FMA) expressed gratitude toward Representatives Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and other cosponsors of the bill. The organization urges constituents to contact their representatives and encourage them to support the proposed legislation.
