The California Medical Association (CMA) has endorsed the bipartisan Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, led by Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). The legislation seeks to address long-standing issues of underinvestment in Medicare physician payments by establishing an annual update tied to the Medicare Economic Index.  

CMA President René Bravo, M.D., emphasized that decades of inadequate reimbursement have forced physician practices to the brink, threatening access to care for seniors and Medicare beneficiaries. The association states that operating costs for practices have risen by 47% since 2001, while physician payments under Medicare have declined by 33% in the same period.  

The bill would create a more predictable payment framework, helping physicians decide whether to accept new Medicare patients, remain in practice, or close their practices. According to the CMA, without congressional action, unstable payment rates may continue to erode access and push patients out of Medicare provider networks.  

CMA is urging California’s congressional delegation to co-sponsor and actively promote the legislation in Congress so that seniors and Medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive care from responsive and financially sustainable physician practices.