Congress abandons Medicare patients and their physicians – American Medical Association – March 9, 2025

Press Releases

Congress abandons Medicare patients and their physicians
Mar 9, 2025

The following statement is attributable to: Bruce A. Scott, M.D. President, American Medical Association

“Physicians across the country are outraged that Congress’s proposed spending package locks in a devastating fifth consecutive year of Medicare cuts, threatening access to care for 66 million Medicare patients. Despite repeated warnings, lawmakers are once again ignoring the dire consequences of these cuts and their impact both on patients and the private practices struggling to keep their doors open.“

Today’s decision to allow the 2.8 percent cut to go forward is particularly devastating for rural and underserved communities. These physicians and their patients have borne the brunt of the rising practice costs – 3.5 percent this year according to Medicare’s own estimate.

When adjusted for inflation, Medicare payment to physician practices has dropped 33 percent (PDF) since 2001. Let me be clear: These unsustainable cuts will force more practices to close and leave patients with fewer options for care.

“Congress has failed physicians, and Medicare patients will pay the price. The window to reverse this reckless decision is rapidly closing. Lawmakers must explain either why protecting access to quality health care is not a priority or how they plan to fix it.”

Congress abandons Medicare patients and their physicians | American Medical Association