As election day approaches and the legislative calendar rapidly wanes, members of Congress are turning their attention to an end-of-year legislative package. Due to the highly divisive and contentious political year prior to the November elections, most policymakers feel systemic payment reform for physicians is highly unlikely to take place in 2024. However, despite this likely political reality, a bipartisan group of representatives continues to voice support for congressional action on Medicare payment issues.
U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), with the support of their colleagues Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA), Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA), John Joyce, MD (R-PA) and Ami Bera, MD (D-CA) are circulating a letter asking other House members to join them in urging House leadership to address payment issues before the end of the year.
The letter addresses the need for permanent reform and reiterates the American College of Radiology® (ACR®)-led coalition request that Congress pass legislation providing physicians and other clinicians with a payment update for 2025 and beyond that accounts for the cost of delivering care to patients.
For more information or if you have questions, contact Rebecca Spangler, ACR Senior Government Relations Director.