ASNC Endorses New Legislation with Physician Payment Increase Tied to Medicare Economic Index

• By: admin
• On: 04/10/2023 09:34:00
• In: Advocacy

The introduction of the “Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act” (H.R. 2474) builds on a recommendation made less than a month ago by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). In its annual report to Congress, the Commission urged Congress to tie a physician payment update to the MEI but recommended the update should be just half of the MEI. ASNC holds the position that half of the MEI is inadequate given rising practice costs, as explained in a letter asking Congress to pass legislation providing for an update based on the full MEI. 

In a press release, the lawmakers sponsoring H.R. 2474 said the legislation would “address payment uncertainty affecting Medicare-participating physicians and avoid a possible physician shortage for Medicare beneficiaries.”

ASNC Thanks Sponsors 'Looking Out for America's Physicians' 

ASNC endorsed the legislation and thanked Rep. Raul Ruiz, MD (D-California), Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD (R- Indiana), Rep. Ami Bera, MD (D-California), and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-Iowa). In a tweet posted last week, ASNC said physicians deserve a payment update based on the full MEI. 
 

Watch for Call to Action

In the coming weeks, ASNC will be calling on you to contact lawmakers with a request for support of the “Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act.” Stay tuned to ASNC for updates.