05/12/2023
In our grassroots effort to make real change in Medicare policy, it is time for action! We need your voices in order to make change. Every little bit helps!
Specialty providers like physical therapists do not know year to year if their Medicare reimbursement will be enough to cover the costs of the care they provide for patients. And now, the lasting impact of COVID-19 and record inflation are making it even more difficult for Medicare providers. This financial instability threatens access to care for an older population that is more likely to suffer from falls, have mobility deficits, or have chronic conditions that need long-term physical therapy care.
To address concerns about physician pay and Medicare beneficiaries' access to care, Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Ami Bera (D-CA) have introduced the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 2474). This bipartisan legislation would set an annual Medicare Physician Fee Schedule pay increase tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI), which would help address pay uncertainty and a possible Medicare physician shortage by recognizing inflation increases.
It is critical that members of the U.S. House of Representatives hear from members of the physical therapy community on why reforming the Medicare payment system is essential for provider stability and patient access.
Advocate on behalf of the physical therapy community.
