Congressional Spending Bill Fails to Address Physician Fee Cuts but Extends Telehealth Benefit

Last week, Congress passed a government funding bill to avert a shutdown, but it notably lacked provisions addressing the 2.8% Medicare physician payment cut that took effect on January 1, 2025.  PALTmed had hoped the bill would include provisions from the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, but an amendment to address these cuts was narrowly rejected in the Senate.

While the physician payment issue remains unresolved, the bill did include a six-month extension of telehealth benefits. Specifically, the legislation prolongs Medicare telehealth waivers, allowing virtual visits to continue from a broader range of locations, including the nursing home, through September 30, 2025.

PALTmed will continue to advocate for solutions that ensure a stable Medicare payment system, urging Congress to revisit physician fee cuts and telehealth benefits. Thank you to all PALTmed members for actively engaging with your members of Congress and advocating for support on these critical issues. Your grassroots efforts and dedication are essential as we work together to secure solutions that benefit those serving the PALTC population.