State medical associations join call for Congress to act on Medicare payment cuts

Medical societies of the 50 states are adding their voices to the call for congressional action to stop a 4.5% cut to Medicare reimbursement in 2023.

The American Medical Association (AMA) announced another volley of information with a request that lawmakers act soon to stop the reduction that will take effect Jan. 1.

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) has become a target for physicians’ organizations and their supporters as the current Congress nears its end, with new and returning lawmakers to reconvene next year. If reimbursement is reduced for doctors next year, it could jeopardize coverage for patients who rely on Medicare for health coverage.

“Since the MPFS is the only payment system within Medicare lacking an annual inflationary update, clinicians, many of whom are small business owners, contend with a wide range of shifting economic factors – such as staff salaries, building rent, and purchase of essential technology – when determining their ability to provide care to Medicare beneficiaries,” the latest letter said.

The recipients were House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy; and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.