GOP Doctors Caucus Endorses Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act

Washington, D.C. - Today, the GOP Doctors Caucus announces its endorsement of H.R. 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. This bipartisan legislation reforms the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to support physicians and protect access to high-quality, affordable patient care.

"Physicians who serve Medicare beneficiaries are at a breaking point due to persistent cuts to their reimbursements," said Co-Chairs Greg Murphy, M.D. & John Joyce, M.D. "Doctors are being forced to close their practices, either to retire early or transition into large hospital systems. Patients should be cared for as individuals, not as numbers, nor forced to drive long distances for quality care. Private practice plays an important role in American medicine, and we must ensure its continued viability."

Background
On January 1st, 2025, a 2.83% Medicare reimbursement cut went into effect for physicians due to a rule finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in November of 2024. Compounded with CMS’ own estimates of a projected 3.6% increase in practice cost expenses for this year, physicians could face a 6.43% cut unless Congress acts.

H.R. 879 would prospectively, from April 1st through December 31st, 2025, stop in full the 2.83% cut physicians received on January 1st, 2025, and provide an additional 2% payment update to help reflect rising costs pertaining to running a practice.