With CMS estimating a fifth consecutive year of Medicare payment reductions—this time by 2.8 percent—it is evident that Congress must address this issue. In addition to the cut, CMS predicts that the Medicare Economic Index (MEI)—the measure of practice cost inflation—will increase by 3.6 percent. Facing this widening gap between what Medicare pays physicians and the cost of delivering quality care to patients, physicians are urging Congress to pass a reform package that would permanently strengthen Medicare.

"The American Medical Association (AMA) supports H.R. 2474, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, a bipartisan bill that would provide a permanent, annual update equal to the increase in the MEI," stated an AMA representative. "Additionally, the AMA has a proposal to make Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) more relevant to patients and supports pending legislation to improve the budget neutrality process to better reflect actual Medicare costs."

"The consecutive years of Medicare cuts demand a comprehensive legislative solution," continued the representative. "Previous quick fixes have been insufficient—this situation requires a bold, substantial approach. A Band-Aid goes only so far when the patient is in dire need."

"Physician practices cannot continue to absorb rising costs while their payment rates dwindle," warned another spokesperson from MedPAC and the Medicare Trustees who have issued warnings about repeated Medicare cuts threatening access to care. "As one of the only Medicare providers without an inflationary payment update, physicians have waited patiently for this change." According to data adjusted for inflation, Medicare physician payment declined by 29% from 2001 to 2024.

"The death by a thousand cuts continues," added another source highlighting how rural physicians and those treating underserved populations see this CMS warning as another reminder of their painful challenges in keeping practices open and providing care. "It’s crucial that we ensure both continue."