The physician shortage will worsen – unless Congress acts now
Congress has an opportunity to reverse the worsening physician shortage and bolster access to care for millions of people.
Right now, Medicare reimbursement rates barely cover the actual costs of care. If these proposed cuts go through, it’ll only make things harder for providers, and some may have no choice but to stop accepting Medicare patients altogether.
Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services slashed government reimbursements to physicians for the fifth year in a row, placing a severe financial burden on seniors and their doctors that will take effect in January – unless Congress intervenes first.
Following AMA advocacy, Senate leadership gets loud and clear message on the need to stabilize Medicare payment and protect access to care.
Imagine needing a doctor and finding out there isn’t one nearby who can see you. For seniors and families in rural towns, this could soon be a harsh reality.
American Medical Association president Bruce A. Scott, MD, shares on the impact of proposed Medicare cuts.
Imagine a senior in Idaho trying to schedule a routine medical appointment. Now imagine that, despite needing essential care, they find there are fewer doctors available, longer waiting times and growing barriers to receiving treatment.
Congress must act now to stop the proposed 2025 physician payment cut and add an inflation-based update to maintain patient access to Medicare.
Another “lame duck” political season is upon us, and Congress has the critical opportunity to pass a fix to Medicare’s physician reimbursement system, addressing the automatic cut in payment to physicians that goes into effect on January 1st.
During its lame duck session, Congress can begin the process of fixing Medicare by preventing a further automatic payment cut to physicians on January 1st.
We’re dedicated to raising awareness of Medicare physician payment system problems so that we can work towards solutions that protect physician practices and patients’ access to care. It’s vital that patients and physicians use their voices to advocate for change.
Click the button below to learn about the various ways to get involved in the fight to Fix Medicare Now.