Congress Reintroduces Bill to Halt Harmful Medicare Cuts: What This Means for Physicians and Patients

The financial landscape for healthcare providers is at a critical juncture, and Congress has taken a renewed step to address the issue. The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 has been reintroduced, aiming to reverse a 2.8% Medicare payment cut that took effect on January 1, while also providing much-needed financial relief to physicians.

The Problem: Mounting Challenges for Physicians

Medicare cuts have long strained healthcare practices, with reimbursement rates failing to keep pace with inflation and rising operational costs. According to Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), “Physicians see Medicare patients out of compassion, not financial gain.” However, the growing gap between costs and reimbursement jeopardizes the viability of providing care, particularly for senior patients who depend on Medicare.

Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of adjusting reimbursements for inflation to ensure continued access to quality care for seniors.

Unified Support from Medical Societies

Leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), have rallied behind this legislation. These groups argue that the annual cuts not only harm the financial stability of practices but also threaten patient access to care, particularly in underserved areas.

AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD, urged physicians to become advocates, stating, “Patient access to care and practice sustainability are not partisan or geographical issues. It’s an urgent national issue that demands immediate attention from Congress.”

MGMA’s Anders Gilberg highlighted the ripple effect these cuts have on broader healthcare operations, including commercial contracts and Medicaid reimbursements tied to Medicare rates.

Cardiologists on the Frontlines

Cardiology practices have been particularly affected by these cuts, with the ACC emphasizing the "significant strain" placed on clinicians who deliver lifesaving services. ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, stressed, “Year after year of devaluing these essential services creates financial instability for clinicians, jeopardizing patients’ access to necessary cardiovascular care.”

The Path Forward

The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act represents an opportunity to halt harmful cuts and provide much-needed support to healthcare providers. The AMA and other organizations are urging physicians, patients, and their families to advocate for this legislation by contacting members of Congress.

As the March 14 deadline for government spending approaches, it’s critical for lawmakers to include this bill in any upcoming spending packages. Without swift action, the ripple effects of these cuts will only deepen, leaving many practices unable to sustain their operations.

At Med Match Solutions, we are committed to supporting healthcare professionals and advocating for policies that ensure sustainable, high-quality care. Stay tuned for updates as this critical legislation progresses through Congress. Read more here.