Contact: Katie Glenn, kglenn@acc.org ,

WASHINGTON (Mar 08, 2024) -

The American College of Cardiology appreciates the passage of legislation averting a partial government shutdown and providing some relief to the 3.37% Medicare cut currently in effect, but is disappointed a full fix was not provided.

"As we once again barreled towards a government shutdown, there is a dim light at the end of this long tunnel. The newly enacted appropriations bills include several health policy changes, including language to partially mitigate the current Medicare payment cuts impacting practices and providing some relief for 2024. While this is not a full fix to the 3.4% cut that clinicians deserve, it does provide much needed certainty after months of wondering if they would still be able to provide access to high-quality care to Medicare patients," said American College of Cardiology President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, FACC. "With the enactment of this legislation, Congress will have just a few weeks to approve the Labor, Health, and Human Services bill, which is critically important to health care programs and services impacting all Americans. Clinicians and clinical practices cannot continue on this path of ongoing uncertainty and cuts year after year. We must find a way to end this cycle and find long-term solutions. The collective voice of the medical community broke through political divides to provide partial relief this year, and we'll continue to harness this energy as we redouble our efforts with Congress to seek legislative solutions to achieve comprehensive reform for the future."

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 or follow @ACCinTouch.

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