Niagara Leader

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York's 24th district, in collaboration with Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. from North Carolina's 3rd district, has introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. This legislation aims to support physicians and safeguard access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.

The bill is backed by several cosponsors, including Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-1), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-8), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-6), Carol Miller (WV-1), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8).

According to data from the American Medical Association, inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement for physician services has decreased by 33% from 2001 to 2025. These reductions have put a strain on the healthcare system, particularly affecting rural and underserved areas. Rising costs and declining reimbursement rates are forcing practices to reduce staff or services or even close entirely. The growing shortage of physicians and the impending retirement of aging doctors exacerbate these issues.

"Preventing the impending Medicare reimbursement cuts to physicians is critical to ensuring seniors have access to the high-quality care they deserve," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Financial stability for providers isn't just a matter of fairness—it's essential for protecting access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas like Western New York where physician shortages have been a persistent challenge."

Congressman Murphy expressed concern over the financial challenges faced by physicians due to ongoing Medicare cuts: "Physicians in America are facing unprecedented financial viability challenges due to continued Medicare cuts." He highlighted that "the cost of caring for a Medicare patient far outpaces the reimbursement that physicians receive," which creates significant financial pressures on doctors.

The proposed bipartisan legislation seeks to prevent further cuts while providing an inflationary adjustment intended to ease care costs and ensure that Medicare remains viable for both doctors and patients.