Medicare advocacy

Because Medicare physician reimbursement rates largely dictate what other insurers pay for medical services, the program exerts considerable influence over health care coverage, delivery and clinician payment. The AAFP fights to modernize Medicare reimbursement for family physicians and for policy that centers and invests in primary care.

Medicare and family physicians

Medicare beneficiaries make up about one of every four patients in a typical family physician’s practice. That's why the Academy advocates to improve Medicare physician payment rates and ensure that physicians receive stable and appropriate compensation for the services they provide to Medicare beneficiaries.

The goal is policy that lets family physicians focus on patient care while adequately reimbursing them for the complex care they deliver.

Medicare’s role in covering seniors and patients

Elderly and disabled patients number as many as six of every 10 Medicare beneficiaries. These patients rely on the complex longitudinal care that family physicians provide.

The AAFP advocates for robust Medicare coverage as key to ensuring that all Americans have access to comprehensive and longitudinal primary care.

Central to the Academy’s work to protect and grow Medicare family physician reimbursement is advocacy for favorable policies in CMS’ Medicare physician fee schedule. This annual regulatory update sets physician payment rates for services under Medicare Part B as well as the Quality Payment Program.