Congress’s decision to pass a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown while excluding a previously agreed-upon Medicare doc fix has sparked considerable debate. The omitted provision included a 2.5% increase to the physician fee schedule, which would have offset a 2.8% cut to the conversion factor. This change, influenced by President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, extends government funding through March 14, keeps Medicare telehealth services accessible until April 1, and prolongs expiring healthcare programs through March. However, it leaves Medicare providers grappling with a 2.83% reimbursement reduction starting in January.
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) have been vocal critics of Congress’s decision. They argue that continuous fee reductions impair patient care access, limit investment in medical technology, and contribute to market consolidation pressures. Both organizations stressed that the omission of the Medicare doc fix is detrimental not only to physicians but also to their Medicare patients, potentially obstructing medical advances and compromising quality care. MGMA and RBMA reiterated their commitment to advocating for a long-term solution to ensure stable and fair compensation for providers.
Implications of the Continuing Resolution
The continuing resolution has put Medicare providers in a precarious position, facing an imminent 2.83% payment cut beginning in early January. Providers and advocates alike expressed their hope that the new Congress will retroactively address the payment reductions. MGMA has voiced a belief that payment adjustments could be made for services rendered from the start of 2025 if swift legislative action is taken. Rep. Greg Murphy, a physician known for his support of payment reform, echoed these sentiments, noting that adjustments might be possible by March. He emphasized the critical need for stability and predictability in physician payments to maintain high standards of care.
Another physician advocate, Rep. Ami Bera, supported the bill despite the absence of the doc fix, emphasizing the necessity of preventing a government shutdown and addressing urgent disaster relief in California. This vote, which saw substantial bipartisan backing, sent the legislation to President Biden for final approval. The resolution’s passage underscores the complex challenges in balancing immediate legislative necessities with the broader, long-term goals of healthcare policy reform. Policymakers and stakeholders continue to grapple with the impact of funding changes on healthcare quality and provider stability.
Ongoing Struggle for Reform
Congress’s passage of a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown has led to significant debate due to the exclusion of a previously agreed-upon Medicare doc fix. This provision would have added a 2.5% increase to the physician fee schedule, mitigating a 2.8% cut to the conversion factor. Influenced by President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the extension funds the government until March 14, maintains Medicare telehealth services until April 1, and extends expiring healthcare programs through March. However, it leaves Medicare providers facing a 2.83% reimbursement cut starting in January.
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) have been vocal critics. They argue that constant fee reductions hinder patient care access, limit investment in medical technology, and increase market consolidation pressures. Both organizations emphasized that the omission of the Medicare doc fix jeopardizes physicians and their Medicare patients by potentially obstructing medical advances and compromising care quality. They pledged to continue advocating for a long-term solution to ensure stable and fair provider compensation.
