Medicare reform is gaining significant bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, with 233 members urging action on a pending Medicare payment cut. This majority is calling on the Speaker to address Medicare reform during the upcoming lame-duck session.

A "Dear Colleague" letter has been signed by members from both parties, advocating for legislative measures to prevent a 2.8 percent reduction in Medicare payments scheduled for January 1st. The letter also highlights the need for payment updates to account for inflationary pressures faced by physician practices.

The letter states that "the Medicare physician payment system is 'inherently broken.'" It points out that Medicare payment rates have decreased by 29 percent over two decades when adjusted for practice costs, posing threats to patient access and practice sustainability. This issue is particularly concerning in rural and underserved areas, as noted: "This ever-widening gap between what Medicare pays physicians and other clinicians and the cost of delivering quality care to patients demands Congressional intervention."

With an election approaching and limited time available, there is optimism about reaching an agreement. As stated, "We have an upcoming election and only a short time to act. But the good news is that instead of gridlock, we have agreement. Instead of conflict, we have compromise. Let’s get to work and pass these crucial policy changes before the end of the year."

The full letter and signatures are accessible online.