On May 22, the House passed its version of a sweeping tax and spending bill (H.R. 1) that is now under consideration in the Senate. The bill takes important first steps to stabilize Medicare physician payments. However, other provisions in the legislation will result in loss of access to coverage and care for millions of people.
Senate Committees are preparing to reveal proposed changes to H.R. 1. Now more than ever it is important senators hear from their physician constituents this week on the critical importance of preserving access to care for our nation’s Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
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** by sending an email to your senators and/or posting a message on X.**
Medicare Physician Payment
The bill begins to address Medicare physician payment inadequacy by incorporating a partial inflationary update tied to the Medicare Economic Index for 2026 and beyond. ASGE is grateful the House has provided this important down payment to fixing the flawed Medicare physician payment system. However, a fundamental restructuring of the payment system is also urgently needed to ensure long-term payment adequacy and stability.
Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act
Many other provisions in H.R. 1 are concerning. Notably, the bill includes changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges that would result in loss of health care coverage for millions of individuals and make it more difficult, if not impossible, for physicians to provide care to our country’s most vulnerable patients.
Medical School Loans and Loan Forgiveness Programs
Provisions included in H.R. 1 would change the student loan infrastructure, including elimination of Federal Direct Graduate (GRAD) PLUS loans, that could negatively impact the next generation of physicians and ability to meet future physician workforce demands.
Contacting your senators is made easy through the ASGE Action Center. Template messages are available that can be personalized and automatically sent to your senators or posted on X using a zip code match.
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