Medicare payment reform (MACRA)

The next chapter in Medicare

In 2015, Congress passed historic legislation that finally repealed the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula in Medicare. The “Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act” or “MACRA” for short finally removed the yearly threat of a “doc fix” that could have jeopardized patients’ getting access to the care they needed.

Recently the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on MACRA which outlines the new payment program that will replace the flawed SGR formula. Taking physician and patient input into consideration, CMS made significant changes in the final rule that allows for expanded telehealth and remote patient monitoring, and works to reduce the regulatory burden that has hindered the doctor-patient relationship.

The AMA continues to work tirelessly to ensure that MACRA implementation bolsters the sustainability of physician practices, that it breaks through unnecessary red tape and empowers physicians to provide the best possible care for patients.

Getting MACRA across the finish line last year was a major achievement but the work is not done. Please take a moment to learn more about Medicare Payment Reform.