A new poll conducted by the American Medical Association indicates 94 percent of Americans are concerned about a looming 25 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to doctors.
The poll was released Monday at the AMA's semi-annual meeting of physician leaders.
"Our new poll sends a message to Congress that the American people want them to stop the Medicare cut, with 95 percent of seniors saying Congress should act immediately to stop it," said AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD, at a news conference. "On December 1 the cut begins, and if Congress has not acted, seniors will suffer. We're pulling out the stops to get Congress to act."
Wilson said the AMA plans to run an ad next week in USA Today and Washington, D.C., publications calling for lawmakers to stop the pay cut.
"Physicians want to care for seniors, but it is nearly impossible for many physicians to keep their practices open to all Medicare patients when they face a 25 percent payment cut," Wilson said.
"The roller coaster ride caused by Congress' inability to stop the cut for at least a year is eroding physicians' confidence and commitment to Medicare – right during Medicare's open enrollment season for physicians," he said. "There is a growing concern that Medicare is becoming an unreliable payer."
Wilson said the AMA is calling for Congress to stop the cut for at least 13 months, allowing lawmakers to work out a permanent solution.
The AARP is also concerned.
"Americans 65 and over have earned their Medicare and the right to keep seeing the doctors they count on," said AARP board member Mara Mayor. "Congress has a responsibility to keep doctors in the Medicare program. It's time for politicians to come together to stop these cuts so seniors can have the peace of mind they've earned."
Earlier this year, when Congress failed to stop the cut before the deadline, physicians delayed payments to suppliers and staff and took out loans to cover overhead expenses – in addition to limiting the number of Medicare patients they could treat, according to the AMA.
"It's critical that patients get involved and translate their concern into action," Wilson said.