Last week there was some refreshing proof that Congress can still, on occasion, work together in a bi-partisan manner.
Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.) and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-Calif.) announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to provide critical relief to physicians responding to the COVID-19 pandemic who are currently scheduled to receive Medicare payment cuts next year. The Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2021 (H.R. 6020) would extend the 2021 Medicare physician payment adjustment of 3.75% for an additional year.
“Beginning on January 1, 2022, many specialists, therapists, and other physicians will be faced with substantial reimbursement cuts – up to 9 percent for many providers, if Congress does not act. These cuts would make our nation’s doctors work longer hours for less pay during the worst global health crisis of our generation,” said Dr. Bucshon. “I want to thank my friend and fellow doctor, Congressman Ami Bera (D-Calif.) for his partnership in leading the bipartisan Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2021, which will ensure Americans continue to have access to quality care in their communities. I look forward to continuing to work with congressional leaders to find practical ways to pay for this proposal and advance this important bill into law before January 1, 2022.”
“As an internal medicine doctor by training, I know that cutting payments for physicians during the middle of a global pandemic will only further strain our health care system and the ability for health care professionals to serve their patients,” said Representative Bera, who previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County. “That’s why I’m introducing the bipartisan Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2021 with my good friend and fellow doctor Representative Bucshon, M.D. to prevent these harmful cuts from occurring. Our frontline health care workers are heroes keeping our communities safe and healthy during this pandemic, and they deserve our full and unwavering support.”
Reps. Bucshon and Bera led over 245 Members of Congress in an October 2021 letter urging House Leadership to address the looming Medicare payment cuts to health care providers that will further strain patient access to care.
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