ACC Commends New Legislation to Reverse Damaging Cuts to Medicare
Contact: Katie Glenn, kglenn@acc.org,
WASHINGTON (Jan 31, 2025) -
American College of Cardiology (ACC) President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC, made the following statement on today's introduction of the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025.
"Failure to prevent the 2.8% cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that took effect on January 1 has placed significant strain on cardiology practices nationwide, compounding the financial pressures clinicians have experienced due to inflation and rising practice expenses.
The ACC is encouraged to see today's introduction of the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025, which not only seeks to reverse these damaging cuts but also includes a vital 2% inflationary update. These adjustments are critical to help offset the costs of running a clinical practice and safeguard access to care for some of our most vulnerable patients.
Passing this legislation would send a powerful message to policymakers: we cannot continue to slash reimbursement to clinicians who provide lifesaving services. Year after year of devaluing these essential services creates financial instability for clinicians, jeopardizing patients' access to necessary cardiovascular care.
The ACC commends the leadership of congressional champions working to address this pressing issue. We remain committed to working alongside Congress and the broader medical community to secure this much-needed relief in the short term while also pursuing comprehensive Medicare reform that ends this cycle of instability once and for all."
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org.
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