1. United States
2. Neb.
3. Letter

This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring physicians can continue providing accessible, high-quality care to Medicare patients. The proposed 1.8% payment update for 2025 would help offset increasing overhead costs that many practices are facing due to inflation. From rising staff payroll to higher rent and EMR expenses, the costs of running a medical practice have surged. Without an adequate Medicare reimbursement rate that accounts for these increased expenses, physician practices may be forced to limit their acceptance of new Medicare patients or even close their doors entirely. This would be detrimental to patient access to care, especially in underserved communities. The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act offers a pragmatic solution by providing physicians with a modest positive update that better aligns with real-world inflationary pressures. Securing this update for 2025 is an essential step towards stabilizing physician practices and safeguarding patients' ability to receive care from their trusted providers.