More Medicare Cuts May be Looming
As you know, the Medicare fee schedule has been in a state of flux for some time. Last year, we notified our members about the Medicare fee schedule cuts that were slated for 2021, as well as the Congressional changes that delayed those cuts and reduced them to approximately 2-4%. Unfortunately, the 2022 fee schedule now includes some of the previously delayed cuts, and the 2% sequestration payment adjustment will be back in effect beginning January 1, 2022.
In response, 247 Congresspersons wrote a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Leader Kevin McCarthy requesting “long-term reforms” that “create stability by addressing the immediate payment cuts facing health care professionals.”
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The letter addresses the looming problematic fee schedule changes, some of which take effect in 2022 and some that take effect within the next three years:
- Reinstatement of the 2% sequester,
- Pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) 4% sequester from passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (for approximately 10 years),
- Expiration of the 3.75% temporary increase in the Medicare physician fee schedule conversion factor from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, and
- Freeze on the 0.25% fee schedule increase each year (an amount that is already well below the rate of CPI inflation).
End result for 2022: Unless there is Congressional action prior to the end of 2021, the average Medicare fee cut will be 3.725% AND payments will be reduced by an additional sequestration amount of 2%.
We will continue to update our members regarding the Medicare Fee schedule challenges and provide guidance regarding 2022 billing as we get closer to the end of 2021.
