June 22, 2023: MGMA submits letter for the record ahead of MACRA hearing

June 22, 2023 
 

Re: MGMA Testimony — “MACRA Checkup: Assessing Implementation and Challenges that Remain for Patients and Doctors”

Dear Chairman Griffith and Ranking Member Castor:

On behalf of our member medical group practices, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) would like to thank the Subcommittee for holding this important hearing on “MACRA Checkup: Assessing Implementation and Challenges that Remain for Patients and Doctors.” We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on this important topic.

With a membership of more than 60,000 medical practice administrators, executives, and leaders, MGMA represents more than 15,000 group medical practices ranging from small private medical practices to large national health systems representing more than 350,000 physicians. MGMA’s diverse membership uniquely situates us to offer the following policy recommendations as the Subcommittee and lawmakers assess the current challenges surrounding MACRA and physician reimbursement in general.

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) sought to stabilize physician payment rates in the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) system and incentivize physicians to move into new value-based payment models. Despite its positive intent, the quality component of the program has
proved burdensome and costly due to excessive reporting requirements and inadequate alternative payment model (APM) participation options. Under MACRA’s revised methodology for annually updating the Medicare physician fee schedule (PFS), physician payments have not kept up with inflation or the cost of running a medical practice. MGMA commends the Subcommittee for its leadership, and we look forward to partnering with Congress to develop sustainable policies that provide appropriate payment as to ensure physician practices can continue providing high-quality care.

View the full letter