Contact: Katie Glenn, kglenn@acc.org,

WASHINGTON (Oct 30, 2024) -

American College of Cardiology President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC, made the following statement in support of the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024, introduced this week by Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA), Ami Bera, MD (D-CA), Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA), John Joyce, MD (R-PA), and Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA). This bipartisan legislation will eliminate the proposed 2.8% cut to Medicare reimbursement and provide an inflationary update.

"The costs of operating a clinical practice have steadily increased in recent years. At the same time, clinicians have grappled with continuous, yearly cuts to Medicare reimbursement for services provided to their patients, including yet another proposed 2.8% cut to physician reimbursement for 2025. Although heart disease remains the #1 killer in the United States, cardiology practices can expect to see a decrease of $168 million if this cut takes effect next year. On top of consecutive reductions from 2021-2024, this is unacceptable and unsustainable. Our nation's health and well-being must be prioritized, especially for those disproportionately affected, including rural, senior, and other vulnerable populations," Biga said.

"The ACC is encouraged by recent efforts in Congress to address this issue, particularly with the recent introduction of the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024. This legislation would not only eliminate the pending cut but also provide a long overdue inflationary update for 2025, which is crucial for maintaining patient access to high-quality care. We appreciate the support from congressional leaders backing this legislation and look forward to working with the broader medical community and Congress to pass this much-needed bipartisan legislation."

Learn more about the ACC's efforts to establish a sustainable Medicare system for patients and clinicians.

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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