Medicare Patient Access and Stabilization

Summary#

This bill changes a part of the Social Security Act that controls Medicare payments to doctors and other practitioners. It adds the year 2025 to a list of covered years and directs a 6.62 percent payment increase for Medicare-covered services furnished on or after April 1, 2025 and before January 1, 2026. It also updates a related cross-reference so the listed years read 2021 through 2025.

What it means for you#

• For people who get Medicare-covered services: the bill text says Medicare payment rates to physicians and other practitioners for services during April 1–December 31, 2025 would be increased by 6.62 percent. The bill text does not say whether your out-of-pocket costs or access to care will change.
• For physicians and other practitioners: the bill directs a temporary payment increase for services in the specified 2025 period.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill text states its purpose is to "increase support for physicians and other practitioners in adjusting to Medicare payment changes." Supporters, as described by the bill language, view the payment increase as a way to help providers during payment adjustments.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.