1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing as a physician and constituent to express my support for H.R. 6160, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, sponsored by Representative Raul Ruiz and cosponsored by members of both parties. This legislation proposes an improvement to the Medicare physician payment system by replacing the current dual conversion factor framework with a single conversion factor tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). By doing so, it aligns physician payment updates with actual changes in the cost of providing care under Medicare, rather than relying on the current separate adjustment rates that are detached from underlying economic realities. As a clinician on the front lines of patient care, I see firsthand how payment policy affects access to services, continuity of care, and the viability of practices serving Medicare beneficiaries. Ensuring that physician payments are updated in a manner that reflects real-world cost pressures — including staffing, supplies, and administrative burden — is critical to maintaining a robust provider network and preserving access for patients who rely on Medicare. The proposed linkage to the MEI offers a more predictable, transparent, and economically grounded approach to updates, which can benefit patients and providers alike. I urge you to support H.R. 6160 and champion it through your committees and within the full chamber. Meaningful Medicare payment reform that reflects the economic conditions physicians face is one step toward sustaining high-quality care for our nation’s seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries. Thank you for your attention to this important issue and for your continued service.