Leading physician groups issue statement on Senate reconciliation package

“Our organizations, representing more than 600,000 physicians, share an unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. As the Senate considers the House-passed budget reconciliation package, we urge lawmakers to protect patients’ access to affordable health insurance, maintain full access to loan borrowing and student loan forgiveness programs to ensure a path for aspiring physicians, and meaningfully reform Medicare physician payment to safeguard access to care in underserved rural and urban communities. Failing to do so will have real and long-lasting consequences for patients, physicians, and the stability of our health care system.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a lifeline for children, families, pregnant and postpartum people, individuals with disabilities and those struggling to make ends meet. If the Senate allows the House’s proposed work reporting requirements, eligibility restrictions and financial barriers to become law, millions of people could lose their health care coverage—risking their health, financial security and, in many cases, their lives. The expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits would only exacerbate these disruptions, leaving more people without the care they need.

Student debt relief

Our nation is already grappling with a physician shortage, especially in underserved and rural areas. Limiting access to federal student loans will put medical school out of reach for the aspiring physicians of tomorrow, and weakening student loan forgiveness programs would make it harder to recruit and retain physicians in communities that need them most. Without loan forgiveness programs, many medical graduates will face insurmountable debt, pushing them away from careers in medicine—especially primary care—at a time when they are desperately needed.

Medicare physician payment

Additionally, Congress must take more significant steps to modernize Medicare physician payment. Instability and cuts year after year are forcing practices—especially small, independent and rural ones—to scale back services or close altogether. Without comprehensive reform, patients will lose trusted physicians, and entire communities may be left without access to care.

We call on the Senate to chart a better course. The health of our patients, the strength of our physician workforce and the future of our health care system depend on it. We stand ready to work with lawmakers to ensure health care remains accessible to all who need it.”