Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) is introducing a bipartisan bill protecting seniors from rising Medicare costs.
Specifically, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act ensures that Medicare payments accurately reflect current healthcare costs, especially in rural, underserved, and low-income areas.
In practice, this prevents doctors from limiting the number of Medicare patients they can see, or from closing up entirely due to fluctuating costs, which, in turn, keeps the number of doctors able to work stable.
"I'm deeply concerned that our outdated physician payment system is contributing to reduced access and delays for seniors seeking the care they deserve," said Rep. Bilirakis in a press release. "This important legislation will help create greater stability for older Americans by strengthening access to services and supporting improved health outcomes. The need for this reform is especially acute in the rural communities I represent, where longstanding provider shortages make consistent, reliable Medicare payments all the more essential."
Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA), one of the bill's cosponsors, echoed his remarks, adding that "expanding access to health care by strengthening Medicare for Seniors is a priority..."
"It's becoming more difficult for Seniors to find physicians through Medicare," Rep. Ruiz warned, adding that the bill . "expands access to Medicare beneficiaries by helping ensure their doctors can keep their doors open." "Everyone, including people in rural and underserved communities, deserves stable, reliable access to the care they depend on."
Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) further shared that "in California's 19th Congressional District, many constituents are finding that doctors' offices are overwhelmed, and many seniors are stuck waiting months to see a physician."
"By tying reimbursement rates to inflation," Rep. Panetta explained, "the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act would help ensure that more doctors are available to treat patients and improve outcomes. Congress must be responsible to make Medicare work so patients can have affordable and accessible healthcare."
