The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. While it includes a minimal increase to physician payment through a small increase in the conversion factor, it does not do enough to make up for a 33% decrease in reimbursement rates since 2001.

The ACR has long urged Congress to work towards long-term, sustainable reforms to Medicare physician reimbursement to protect patient access to care. The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025, led by Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) would tie annual Medicare physician payment updates to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) – a measure that reflects the rising costs of providing care, including expenses related to staffing, supplies, and overhead.

Congress must act to pass policy changes that will address the impact of inflation and budget neutrality requirements on patients’ access to care. America’s physicians and patients deserve better – please contact your members of Congress today and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 879! Take a moment to send your letter today!