Federal Lawmakers Make Final Push to Prevent Medicare Cuts

Cuts would make ‘bad situation far worse’ for Medicare patients, providers

December 14, 2022

A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers—led by a member of Pennsylvania’s delegation—is urging Congress to avert harmful Medicare cuts that would jeopardize access to care throughout the nation.

As the federal funding deadline looms, Representatives Susan Wild (D-7) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), requested their colleagues take action today to prevent cuts in the Medicare program for 2023 that would make “a bad situation far worse” for Medicare beneficiaries and the providers who care for them.

Wild and eight other members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation were among 113 federal lawmakers who signed in support of the letter.

Without action, providers will face cuts of more than 10 percent to Medicare payments starting during the New Year, the lawmakers said.

“The combination of skyrocketing expenses, significant staffing shortages and looming cuts to Medicare payments will only make a bad situation far worse—especially for seniors in rural and underserved areas who continue to face health care access issues,” the lawmakers wrote.

Congress is expected to extend negotiations for a year-end funding package into next week.

In a letter last month, HAP President and CEO Andy Carter outlined the urgency to support hospitals and health care in the year-end package.

“Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems are facing unprecedented challenges and pressures, including severe staffing shortages, supply chain breakdowns, and record inflation for drugs, supplies, and equipment,” he wrote. “Congress’ support for providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency has not blunted the full impact of the immense expense and revenue pressures hospitals continue to face.”

HAP applauds lawmakers for their advocacy on behalf of Pennsylvania hospitals and patients and urges them to include these critical priorities in their year-end bill. In addition to Wild, signees from the Pennsylvania delegation included Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1), Brendan F. Boyle (D-2), Madeleine Dean (D-4), Chrissy Houlahan (D-6), John Joyce (R-13), Guy Reschenthaler (R-14), Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-15), and Conor Lamb (D-17).

During this final stretch of negotiations, HAP encourages everyone to contact their federal lawmakers to help ensure hospitals can provide essential care to patients and communities. HAP members can take action via the HAPtivate! platform.

For more information, contact John Myers, HAP’s vice president, federal advocacy.