APTQI Strongly Supports New Bipartisan Bill to Stabilize the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

A bipartisan group of lawmakers just introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 10073), important legislation that would help stabilize our nation’s healthcare system by preventing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing a proposed 2.8% cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) in 2025. Further, the bill would provide an update equal to half of the Medicare Economic Index (MEI), a measure of inflation that Medicare uses.

If passed, this important legislation would equate to a 1.8% payment rate increase for physical and occupational therapists next year. With the threat of next year’s proposed rate cuts looming, APTQI strongly supports this bill and urges Congress to swiftly pass the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act before the end of the 118th Congress.

For too long, physicians and specialty care providers have endured cuts to reimbursement, which make it harder for practices to remain financially sustainable, keep up with growing costs, and expand Medicare beneficiaries’ access to care. According to the American Medical Association, Medicare reimbursement for physician services has declined 29% between 2001 and 2024 when adjusted for inflation. All of this has seriously destabilized the nation’s healthcare system, underscoring the need for action.

The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act represents a significant step towards ensuring our nation’s doctors and specialty care providers are adequately reimbursed for the care they provide.

The bill was introduced by Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), and Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) also signed onto the bill as original co-sponsors.

To read Rep. Murphy’s press release, which lists APTQI as a supporting organization, CLICK HERE.