The Senate is witnessing bipartisan efforts to oppose proposed cuts to Medicare payments. A letter spearheaded by Senators John Boozman from Arkansas and Peter Welch from Vermont was sent to Senate leaders, expressing concerns that these cuts could hinder physicians' ability to deliver high-quality care.
“These continued payment cuts undermine the ability of independent clinical practices – especially in rural and underserved areas— to care for their communities,” stated the letter.
This move by the senators follows a similar initiative by the American Medical Association (AMA) along with 127 other state medical associations and national medical societies. They have urged Congress to act swiftly in the remaining legislative days to halt the impending cuts.
Additionally, the letter calls on Congress to implement a positive payment update for 2025. It has garnered support from all 50 state medical societies, including Washington D.C., as well as 77 national medical societies.
Earlier efforts saw a bipartisan group of 233 House members signing a Dear Colleague letter, advocating for legislative measures to address the cuts and adjust payments considering inflationary trends.
As the legislative session draws to a close, physicians across the nation are emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue during the lame duck period.
