Complete Story
05/22/2025
Federal Advocacy Update
OSMA and the Coalition of State Medical Associations Continue to Advocate Against Medicaid Cuts
The Coalition of State Medical Associations continues to advocate at the federal level to raise concerns over the impact of proposed Medicaid coverage cuts on patients and physicians. Last night the Coalition sent a detailed communication to Congress outlining the potential impact on patients and physicians. While the House of Representatives passed legislation with significant cuts early this morning, the process now moves to the Senate.
OSMA and our fellow state and federal medical association partners are analyzing the final version of the legislation passed this morning and will have more details in the days ahead about the impact on Medicaid funding at the state level, changes to the Medicare physician fee schedule, and any other impact on the healthcare system.
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Fix Bill Introduced in Senate—Act Now!
Sen. Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS) introduced the "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act" (S. 1640), companion legislation to H.R. 879, which was introduced earlier this year by Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).
This legislation, if passed, would temporarily reverse the damaging 2.83% cut and provide a much-needed 2% positive payment update, which is an increase equivalent to roughly half of the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) for 2025, helping to stabilize physician practices and protect patients' access to care.
Fixing the Medicare physician payment schedule continues to be the top priority for the OSMA at the federal level. Join the effort by contacting your Senators and urge them to cosponsor the "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act" (S. 1640) today!
Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Legislation Reintroduced
The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514 / S. 1816) was officially reintroduced this week. The legislation already has strong bipartisan support, with 47 senators and 73 house members signed on as original co-sponsors. The legislation is similar to what almost passed last session—reforming numerous aspects of the prior authorization process used by Medicare Advantage plans.