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The expertise, experience, and perspective of physicians and physician
assistants practicing in Washington is crucial to helping to inform our
advocacy on your behalf. And, it's often crucial in helping to inform
legislators' decision-making on policy being debated at the state and
federal levels.
Congress Fails to Avert Medicare Cut; Attention Returns to Passing H.R. 879 – Keep Messages Coming
Act before April 1
When Congress passed a continuing resolution on March 14 to fund government spending through September 2025, it failed to address the 2.83% cut for physicians treating Medicare patients that went into effect on Jan. 1. The WSMA is dismayed that Congress allowed a fifth consecutive reduction to take effect, which will contribute to existing, significant access issues throughout Washington state. We appreciate those of you who reached out to your members of Congress.
However, the fight for patient access to care and practice sustainability is not over. The WSMA now joins the American Medical Association to again urge Congress to pass H.R. 879, Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, which would, effective April 1, prospectively cancel the 2.83% payment cut that went into effect on Jan. 1, while also providing a 2% payment update, helping to stabilize physician practices and protect patients' access to care.
This bipartisan legislation has over 120 cosponsors and was recently endorsed by the Republican "Doc Caucus" and we need your help to get it over the finish line. Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to pass H.R. 879 today.
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HB 1392 has momentum, but still needs your support
Considering the governor's proposal to roll back recent primary care Medicaid reimbursement increases, it's more important than ever to communicate the importance of the Medicaid Access Program in House Bill 1392. As we push back on the governor's proposed cuts, we’re also advocating for House Bill 1392 as a means to invest in our patients and their future by investing in the Medicaid program. The Medicaid Access Program is intended to be fiscally neutral to the state and will allow more Medicaid patients to get the care they need by bringing approximately $400 million annually in federal funds to Washington state and raising reimbursements for all physician services to Medicare levels. The WSMA and affiliated groups have spent the past year working with state agencies, lawmakers, and other stakeholders to address the concerns we heard during the 2024 session, with a goal of passage during the 2025 legislative session. HB 1392 reflects that collaborative effort. Now, it's time that we support patients with meaningful access to the care they deserve. Urge the Legislature to support Medicaid patients with equivalent access to health care services as those with private insurance by passing HB 1392.
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Federal Medicaid Cuts: Share Patient Stories with Your Congressional Representatives
Real-world examples can help move lawmakers
Over the coming weeks and months, Congress will turn its attention to drafting and debating a broader spending package that may include upwards of $850 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program. The WSMA will continue to educate Washington’s congressional delegation about the devastating impact such cuts would have. Members of Congress have been consistently asking the WSMA for patient examples and stories from physicians about what these draconian cuts would mean for patients and communities. While we are sharing compelling data around the impact of such cuts, it’s often human-centered stories that move lawmakers.
Please continue sending your members of Congress stories of how patients in your practice and community would be impacted by federal Medicaid funding cuts of this magnitude. Use our grassroots advocacy platform to send your stories. The stories you send will greatly assist the WSMA in our advocacy as we engage with our congressional offices. Thank you for taking action.
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