AMGA Urges CMS to Reverse Medicare Cuts, Protect Telehealth Access
Offers Recommendations on Medicare Shared Savings Program Proposals

AMGA today recommended that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) act to prevent a cut in Medicare payments. The cut in the Medicare conversion factor would exacerbate the financial pressures facing AMGA members due to inflation, increased supply costs, and an unprecedented shortage in the healthcare workforce.

Alexandria, VA –AMGA today recommended that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) act to prevent a cut in Medicare payments. The cut in the Medicare conversion factor would exacerbate the financial pressures facing AMGA members due to inflation, increased supply costs, and an unprecedented shortage in the healthcare workforce. 

“Cutting the conversion factor would seriously undermine the ability of AMGA members to deliver the best possible care,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A. “CMS needs to ensure Congress understands the ramifications of this cut and takes action to prevent it.”

In comments on the CY2023 proposed Physician Fee Schedule, AMGA opposed the proposed cut in the Medicare conversion factor, which effectively would reimburse physician services 4% less in 2023 than in 2022. AMGA recommends that CMS prevent the cuts, which would further strain provider finances. 

AMGA also is concerned that CMS is moving to decrease payment rates for telehealth services. As part of its response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, CMS reimbursed telehealth visits at the same rate an as in-office visits based on the recognition that the costs and resources needed were equivalent.  Now, CMS is proposing to reduce payments for telehealth visits.   

“Telehealth is an increasingly important option for patients and providers,” Penso said. “Without adequate reimbursement, offering such care will be difficult and diminish a needed service.”

CMS also is proposing significant changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program. AMGA appreciates that CMS will provide Accountable Care Organizations additional time in upside-only models. AMGA also offered recommendations to improve CMS proposals on how benchmarks are updated.

The letter is available on AMGA’s website.

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About AMGA

AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of health care in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of our members’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, high-value care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans. For more information, visit amga.org

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Media Contact:

Sharon Grace
Chief Communications Officer
703.838.0033 ext. 393
sgrace@amga.org
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