Sen. Cramer, colleagues introduce legislation aimed to stop Medicare physician payment cuts

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined Senator John Boozman (R-AR) in introducing the Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020, which would prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021 and ensure payments to medical physicians are maintained at current levels for the next two years.

“Health care providers in North Dakota and across the country face significant financial strain caused by COVID-19. They can’t afford these cuts, and we can’t afford to lose their services,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill helps ensure these providers can continue the admirable service they’ve displayed throughout the pandemic without having another reason to worry about their bottom line.”

Joining Senators Cramer and Boozman are Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Susan Collins (R-ME). The bill is also supported by a number of health care industry groups including the American Medical Association, American Optometric Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.