AMGA Welcomes Patients First Act, Reaffirms Priorities for Sustainable Medicare Part B Reform

Alexandria, VA – AMGA today issued a statement in response to Patients First Act. 

“AMGA appreciates the leadership shown by Representatives John Joyce, MD (R-PA), Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), and Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA), in advancing efforts to modernize the Medicare Part B program through the Patients First Act,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, MD, MBA. “We are encouraged that this proposal reflects priorities important to AMGA’s members, particularly payment updated based on the Medicare Economic Index and a requirement that substantial changes to CMS Innovation Center models go through formal rulemaking, adding greater transparency and stability to how new payment models are developed.”

“We appreciate this physician-led policymaking process, as these members of Congress know firsthand how federal policies impact medical practices,” Penso added. “AMGA values the commitment and focus of this legislation to modernize Medicare’s Part B program.”

As Congress considers reforms to Part B, AMGA continues to urge that any changes to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) and the value-based payment framework be grounded in the principles of sustainability and predictability—providing medical groups and health systems the stable, long-term policy footing needed to invest in value-based care and continue to improve quality and outcomes for patients.  

“This is a bipartisan process and issue,” Penso added. “We look forward to working with these policymakers as the legislation moves through the process to help ensure that Medicare Part B continues to support patients’ access to the quality care they expect.”
 

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About AMGA
AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of healthcare 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.