The Florida Medical Association (FMA) is calling on its members to join a national advocacy campaign aimed at changing how physicians are paid under Medicare. The FMA, working alongside the American Medical Association and other physician groups across the country, has been addressing this issue for several years.
According to the FMA, current Medicare payment rates are not enough for many medical practices to remain financially stable. Payment reductions have affected both private and employed physicians, as well as those in academic or community settings. Since most insurance payers link their payments to Medicare rates, these cuts have broader impacts throughout the healthcare system.
The organization is urging physicians to contact their U.S. representatives every week until the matter is resolved. The FMA suggests making phone calls on Mondays or Fridays, and recommends visiting local congressional offices if possible for greater effect.
Physicians are being asked to request support for House Resolution 879, introduced by U.S. Representative Greg Murphy, MD. This legislation would stop a scheduled 2.83% cut in Medicare payments set for January and instead provide a 2% increase to help offset rising practice costs.
The FMA encourages doctors to share personal experiences about how ongoing payment cuts have impacted their ability to maintain their practices or affected patients’ access to care when contacting lawmakers.
“Thank you in advance for supporting this patient-focused grassroots campaign, which will help to move HR 879 forward,” stated the FMA.
