The Florida Medical Association (FMA) is urging physicians to participate in a national advocacy campaign aimed at addressing Medicare payment issues. The FMA, together with the American Medical Association and other physician groups across the country, has been working on this issue for several years.
According to the FMA, ongoing reductions in Medicare payments have put many medical practices at economic risk. These risks affect various types of practices, including private, employed, academic, and community settings. Since many insurance payers base their rates on Medicare payments, these cuts have broader financial implications for physicians.
The association is asking physicians to contact their U.S. representatives weekly—preferably on Mondays or Fridays—to advocate for changes in Medicare payment policy. The FMA also encourages visits to local congressional offices for greater impact but emphasizes that phone calls are essential.
Physicians are being asked to urge lawmakers to support and co-sponsor House Resolution 879. This bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, MD. It seeks to halt a scheduled 2.83% cut in Medicare payments set for January and proposes a 2% increase instead, aiming to address rising practice costs.
The FMA recommends that when contacting representatives, physicians share personal stories about how payment cuts have affected their practices or patient care access. The organization believes that such examples can help lawmakers understand the real-world effects of current policies.
“Thank you in advance for supporting this patient-focused grassroots campaign, which will help to move HR 879 forward,” the FMA stated.
