Last week, the U.S. Senate released its budget reconciliation package. Like the House-passed version, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that, if passed, millions of Americans would lose their health care coverage through Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The proposed Senate bill also does nothing to improve Medicare physician reimbursement and makes negative changes to the federal student loan program.

Our societies agree there should be fiscal oversight of public health programs supported by federal dollars. However, the Senate and House reconciliation bills create unnecessary barriers to Medicaid and ACA coverage and access and will strain state Medicaid programs and resources.

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, the Senate is still finalizing the text language. Currently, Senate leadership’s goal is to release a revised draft this week to vote on before the July 4 recess. Tell your senators not to jeopardize health care for millions.

More about the proposed Senate bill:

• Physician reimbursement The bill eliminates a House-passed provision that could have improved Medicare physician payment rates. That provision partially tied reimbursement to the Medicare Economic Index starting in 2026. It is unsustainable that physician reimbursement has decreased by 33% since 2001. Physicians are the only Medicare providers who do not receive an automatic, annual update.
  

• Medicaid The Senate bill, like the House bill, puts work-reporting requirements on Medicaid recipients, despite data showing that these programs have been unsuccessful and most adults on Medicaid are already working or unable to work. The House and Senate bills could destabilize state Medicaid programs by placing greater restrictions on provider taxes that states use for Medicaid coverage, benefits, and provider payment.
  

• Student loans Changes to student loan programs in the Senate and House bills will likely deter students from pursuing medical education, worsening physician workforce shortages.
  

Our societies oppose provisions that restrict health care access and lead to poorer health outcomes for many Americans.

The U.S. healthcare system works best when people have health insurance, rather than seeking sick care in hospital emergency rooms. Simply put, a healthier and stronger America relies on access to affordable coverage and care.

Call to Action

On behalf of the GI physician community, our societies will continue to advocate against changes that could threaten access to medically necessary care.

Because the success of our advocacy relies on your grassroots engagement, please take a moment to contact your members of Congress.

Take Action