Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025
Sponsor
Gregory Murphy
Republican · NC-3
Latest Action · Jan 31, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill Progress
Medicare Payment Boosts Aim to Aid Doctors
Why it matters
Doctors face steep Medicare cuts unless Congress steps in.
The big picture: Lawmakers are scrambling to keep doctors from taking a major pay cut for treating Medicare patients. Without help, many are warning they'll be forced to see fewer seniors—or even close up shop. The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 steps in with a temporary payment bump, trying to keep doors open.
Zoom in: The bill extends and expands previous relief, giving physicians and other health practitioners a 6.62% increase in what Medicare pays for services provided between April 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026. Supporters say the one-year increase is a critical stopgap while Congress debates a longer-term fix.
Between the lines: The battle over Medicare physician pay is nothing new. Rates have stayed almost flat while costs climb, creating a squeeze that hits small practices and rural doctors hardest. This bill won’t solve the long-term dilemma—but it does buy Congress more time to hammer out a permanent solution.
What This Bill Does
Extends Medicare Payment Increase
Continues a higher payment rate for doctors treating Medicare patients through 2025.
6.62% Payment Bump
Gives physicians and eligible practitioners an extra 6.62% payment for Medicare services from April 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
Broadened Timeframe
Updates affected years to include 2025 instead of ending in 2024.
Conforming Provision Updates
Changes related sections so all references include the new extended payment period.
Targets All Medicare Providers
Applies to both primary care doctors and specialists receiving Medicare payments.
Who Benefits
Physicians and Health Practitioners
Get a temporary increase in Medicare reimbursement, helping stabilize their practices.
Medicare Patients
Gain better access to care by helping keep their doctors in the Medicare network.
Small and Rural Medical Practices
Receive extra support to avoid closures or cutbacks due to low Medicare payments.
Healthcare Workforce
Reduces pressure that might push providers to retire early or leave the field.
Who's Affected
Taxpayers
May ultimately foot the bill for higher Medicare spending, unless offset elsewhere.
Congress
Faces renewed pressure to develop a long-term fix after the temporary bump ends.
Insurance Companies
Could be indirectly affected if Medicare rates influence private insurance payments.
Healthcare Advocacy Groups
May use passage as momentum for pushing broader payment reforms.
Cosponsors (194)
Jimmy Panetta
Democrat · CA
John Joyce
Republican · PA
Kim Schrier
Democrat · WA
Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Republican · IA
Raja Krishnamoorthi
Democrat · IL
Claudia Tenney
Republican · NY
Raul Ruiz
Democrat · CA
Carol Miller
Republican · WV
Ami Bera
Democrat · CA
Jefferson Van Drew
Republican · NJ
Andy Harris
Republican · MD
Richard McCormick
Republican · GA
Recent Actions
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Committees (2)
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Full Bill Text
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View the complete legislative text on Congress.gov
Source: Congress.gov
