MMA Signs on to Letter Urging Medicare Physician Payment Reform

September 17, 2026

The MMA joined the AMA and 49 other state medical associations in urging Congress to pass H.R. 9693, the "Patients First Act," which would reform the Medicare physician payment system. 

The bipartisan bill would replace the annual cycle of cuts and temporary patches with a stable payment system that is more reflective of the actual costs of delivering care.  

 "When adjusted for inflation in practice costs, Medicare physician payment has fallen approximately 33 percent since 2001," the letter says. "Physicians remain the only Medicare provider type that does not receive an annual payment update tied to inflation. This growing gap has forced many practices - particularly small, rural, and independent practices - to consolidate or limit the number of Medicare patients they serve, threatening timely access to care for millions of patients in our states." 

Read the letter here.