MedPAC Members Express Concern Over Medicare Docs' Ability to Absorb Cost Increases

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/medicare/120283...

Published: Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:23:43 -0400

MedPAC members expressed concern about the ability of Medicare physicians to absorb cost increases. For 2027, they recommend that Congress increase physician fees by 1.25% for those participating in advanced alternative payment models and by 0.75% for other physicians. At the same time, the Commission proposed to update payments for doctors and other health professional services according to the current law plus 0.5%. MedPAC recommended reducing payments to home health care agencies by 7%, to skilled nursing facilities by 4% and to inpatient rehabilitation facilities by 7%. It approved those recommendations on Jan. 15, and MedPAC is an independent commission that advises Congress on Medicare issues. The commission again recommended adding $1 billion to support safety hospitals through the safety hospital index.