U.S. Reps. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) introduced a bipartisan bill that would address payment uncertainty affecting Medicare-participating physicians, particularly those operating small, rural, and low-income serving practices.
The Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, H.R. 2474, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), would change the physician payment rate under current law by providing an annual Medicare physician payment update tied to inflation, as measured by the Medicare Economic Index (MEI).
“All patients deserve timely access to healthcare from quality physicians in their communities. An inadequate mechanism for determining Medicare reimbursement adjustments is threatening that access and must be addressed,” Rep. Bucshon said on April 6. “With that goal in mind, I am proud to introduce the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, which would tie annual Physician Fee Schedule updates to inflationary measurements — a move that is both fair and efficient.”
In recent years, according to the lawmakers, many non-partisan government stakeholders have expressed concerns about the failure of Medicare payments to keep pace with the rising costs of running a medical practice and the damaging impact it could have on patient access to care.
“As hospitals in small and rural areas continue to struggle, it’s imperative we take action to ensure these communities have access to timely and quality healthcare services,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “Our bill, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, will provide stability for physicians across the board. As a doctor, I understand how important it is to prioritize patients, and I’m proud to join in leading this important bipartisan effort.”
H.R. 2474 has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.
“I am committed to working in a bipartisan way to obtain a Congressional Budget Office score for this bill and to find options for covering the cost,” Rep. Bucshon added. “The current path toward further consolidation, physician burnout, and closure of medical practices must be corrected.”