Statement attributable to:
Gerald E. Harmon, M.D.
President, American Medical Association
“Physicians have warned Congress for months about the pending and perilous Medicare cuts coming on January 1. Yet, the end of the year is quickly approaching and it is clear that Congress is not prioritizing support for the nation’s health care providers who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Throughout the ongoing pandemic during which physicians have risked their own health and grappled with significant financial instability, Congress is poised to allow a 10 percent Medicare cut to take effect. These cuts are unsustainable during normal times, and they are reckless during a public health emergency. The result of congressional inaction is that Medicare patients are certain to experience reduced access to care. There is plenty of blame to go around for this unnecessary situation.
"A broad, bipartisan coalition of members has been working to stave off these cuts, and the AMA is grateful for those efforts. Yet, there are few viable legislative vehicles available for the remainder of this year, and none of them address this looming threat facing physicians and their patients. We urge congressional leadership to build off the bipartisan support that’s been demonstrated and prioritize continued access to care for Medicare patients by taking urgent steps to stop these Medicare cuts."
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
