Legislation introduced in Congress on Jan. 31 would reverse the 2.8% Medicare payment cut imposed by the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and institute a 2% inflationary update, providing financial relief to physician practices across the country and preserving access to vital health care services.

"The ACC is encouraged to see the introduction of the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025," said ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC, in a recent statement. "This legislation is critical to safeguard access to care for some of our most vulnerable patients. We commend congressional champions' leadership to address this pressing issue and remain committed to working alongside Congress and the broader medical community to secure this much-needed relief in both the short and long term."

In a letter of support addressed to the bill's sponsors, the College highlights the steady decline in physician payment over the past two decades and substantial increases in the cost of providing health care as key reasons why this legislation is crucial.

The ACC also praised the inflationary update included in the bill, describing this provision as "essential for keeping pace with rising practice expenses and ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those managing chronic conditions like heart disease, can continue accessing timely high-quality care."

By meeting regularly with lawmakers sitting on key committees and partnering with the broader medical community to leverage the value of its collective voice, ACC Advocacy has played an active role in ensuring that cuts to Medicare payment are prioritized and a legislative fix is introduced. ACC members can help advance this legislation by sending letters to their lawmakers through ACC Action Alerts. Take action today!