New York’s Doctors Stunned that Congress Abandons America’s Seniors and their Physicians

For Immediate Release
March 9, 2025

New York’s Doctors Stunned that Congress Abandons America’s Seniors and their Physicians

Statement attributable to:
Jerome Cohen, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York

“Physicians across New York State are stunned that the US House of Representatives leadership has again ignored America’s seniors and their physicians by permitting a massive Medicare physician payment cut to remain in effect.  Despite huge bipartisan support to fix this problem through HR 879, including from House GOP Doctors’ Caucus, the latest House of Representatives’ Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government fails to include language to stop the 2.8% cut that went into effect at the beginning of the year—the fifth straight year of cuts to Medicare physician payment.

“When adjusted for inflation, Medicare physician payments have dropped 33% since 2001.  This is simply not sustainable and is a major reason why so many community-based physician practices have been unable to remain afloat to deliver care to their patients.  Exacerbating the latest cuts is the looming threat of devastating Medicaid cuts based upon the recently enacted Congressional blueprint, at a time when patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid make up an overwhelming number of our community physicians’ patient population.

“We urge New York’s Congressional delegation, and in particular majority members Andrew Garbarino, Nick LaLota, Nick Langworthy, Mike Lawler, Nicole Malliotakis, and Claudia Tenney to push their leadership and fight for needed funding to protect patient access to community-based physician care, including stopping Medicare and Medicaid cuts in the upcoming CR and reconciliation bills.  Your constituents and our patients are depending upon it.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents, and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 

Media Contact:
Roseann Raia | Manager, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x302 | [email protected]

Julie Vecchione
Vice President, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x340 | [email protected]