The Florida Medical Association (FMA) is calling on physicians to participate in a national advocacy campaign aimed at addressing Medicare payment issues. The organization, working alongside the American Medical Association and other physician groups, has expressed ongoing concern about what it describes as inadequate Medicare payments for doctors.
According to the FMA, repeated reductions in Medicare reimbursement rates have placed financial strain on medical practices of all types, including private, employed, academic, and community-based providers. Because many insurance payers link their payment structures to Medicare rates, these cuts are having a broad impact across the healthcare sector.
The FMA is urging physicians to contact their U.S. representatives weekly—preferably on Mondays or Fridays—to request support for House Resolution 879. This bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, MD, seeks to halt a scheduled 2.83% reduction in Medicare payments set for January and instead proposes a 2% increase to help offset rising operational costs for medical practices.
“When you call, ask your representative to support and co-sponsor House Resolution 879, introduced by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, MD. The bill stops January’s 2.83% Medicare cut forced on physicians and replaces it with a 2% payment increase to counter the rising costs of running a practice.”
The FMA also encourages physicians to share personal accounts of how payment reductions have affected their ability to maintain their practices or provide care for patients. The organization believes that such stories can be influential when lawmakers consider changes to Medicare policy.
“Stories that illustrate how these cuts affect patients are the most compelling and will resonate with lawmakers.”
“Thank you in advance for supporting this patient-focused grassroots campaign, which will help to move HR 879 forward.”
The association maintains that ongoing advocacy is necessary until legislative action is taken.
