Zinke advocates for Medicare safeguards

Congressman Ryan Zinke, alongside several other lawmakers, sent a letter to House and Senate leadership, urging immediate Congressional action to avert the impending 3.37% reduction in Medicare reimbursement to physicians. This potential cut follows three consecutive years of reductions in Medicare services. Without intervention this year, Medicare payments will have faced nearly a 10% reduction in four years, posing an unsustainable burden on our nation’s medical groups, physicians, and other healthcare providers. Failure to prevent these Medicare cuts may compel medical groups and integrated care systems, particularly in Montana, to eliminate services, furlough staff, impose hiring freezes, and defer population health initiatives. It is crucial for Congress to ensure that Medicare providers receive the essential financial support needed to continue caring for the seniors who depend on Medicare.

“I have had many, many health care professionals speak to me regarding reimbursement rates from Medicare and they are worried about the situation at hand,” Congressman Ryan Zinke said. “They have seen cuts for the past four years and they are no longer able to sustain their clinics. On the other side of the coin, rising costs and decreasing payments mean that not only the Medicare providers suffer but the patients do too. Top-shelf health care for Montanan’s senior’s and taking care of small businesses are both things I’ve committed to and want to be sure leadership is aware of this situation so we can find a fix.”

Full letter at this link

By: Montana Newsroom staff