Addressing physician shortage to bolster Medicare patient care

Our healthcare system is facing unprecedented challenges due to a shortage of physicians, especially in primary care. This shortage is exacerbated by factors such as rising demand from an aging population, declining medical school enrollment, physicians leaving the profession due to burnout and paperwork burdens, and the corporatization of healthcare prioritizing profits over patient care. As a result, accessing timely and affordable care has become increasingly difficult, particularly for those on Medicare. We urgently need to address this crisis by increasing funding for medical education and residency programs, alleviating administrative burdens on physicians, and implementing reforms that prioritize patient-centered care over corporate profit motives. Older Americans deserve accessible, high-quality healthcare without excessive wait times or financial barriers. Comprehensive solutions are needed to rebuild our crumbling healthcare infrastructure and ensure every community has an adequate supply of dedicated primary care providers. The current situation is unacceptable and jeopardizes the health and well-being of millions of vulnerable individuals relying on the Medicare system.