State Legislative Bills Report
As most state legislatures end their 2025 sessions and look to 2026, ACR staff is looking at how some radiology-specific bills they tracked fared this year.
Read moreMain Content
September MedPAC Meeting Reviews Medicare Fund Status, Payment Policies
Sept. 11, 2024
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Sept. 5 meeting highlighted discussions about several payment policies and the Medicare program’s overall financial situation. MedPAC staff gave the presentation as a backdrop for the commission’s work leading up to its March report to Congress. MedPAC is a non-partisan, independent legislative branch commission created to advise Congress about Medicare-related issues.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expects Medicare spending to nearly double over the next decade, increasing from about $1 trillion in 2023 to $1.9 trillion in 2032. This is driven by inflation, increasing numbers of beneficiaries aging into the program, and growth in the volume and intensity of services provided. Commissioners discussed workforce shortages as well as several financial challenges facing the Medicare program and will continue their work on this draft chapter.
MedPAC staff also gave background regarding Medicare’s measurement of rural provider care quality. Rural providers face unique challenges, such as small sample sizes and administrative burdens to report. Commissioners asked for additional data breakdowns and suggested mitigation strategies to address this complex issue.
Copies of MedPAC’s presentations used for this meeting are available on the commission’s website.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Kimberly Greck, American College of Radiology® Senior Economic Policy Analyst.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expects Medicare spending to nearly double over the next decade, increasing from about $1 trillion in 2023 to $1.9 trillion in 2032. This is driven by inflation, increasing numbers of beneficiaries aging into the program, and growth in the volume and intensity of services provided. Commissioners discussed workforce shortages as well as several financial challenges facing the Medicare program and will continue their work on this draft chapter.
MedPAC staff also gave background regarding Medicare’s measurement of rural provider care quality. Rural providers face unique challenges, such as small sample sizes and administrative burdens to report. Commissioners asked for additional data breakdowns and suggested mitigation strategies to address this complex issue.
Copies of MedPAC’s presentations used for this meeting are available on the commission’s website.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Kimberly Greck, American College of Radiology® Senior Economic Policy Analyst.
Related ACR News
Medicare Payment Increase in Final Budget Reconciliation Bill
The bill includes a 2.5% increase to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026.
Read moreCMS Announces Prior Authorization Test Model
WiSer is a six-year program that will begin in six states on January 1, 2026. It will introduce prior authorization using AI technology for a select number of services, including some IR procedures.
Read more