Doctors And Patients Hurt By Republican ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

The American Medical Association (AMA) has strongly criticized legislation currently making its way through Congress, stating that it would have detrimental effects on low-income Americans by cutting health benefits. The legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, narrowly passed the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate. If enacted, it could reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion and increase the number of uninsured individuals by 7.8 million, according to a KFF analysis.

AMA President, Bruce A. Scott, M.D., expressed concern at the AMA’s annual policy-making House of Delegates meeting in Chicago, urging physicians to take action to stop the legislation from progressing. The AMA has launched a grassroots campaign aimed at the Senate in an effort to bring about changes to the proposed bill. With over 200,000 members, the AMA is the largest physician group in the nation.

Scott highlighted the potential impact of the legislation on vulnerable populations who rely on programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act for access to healthcare. He emphasized the importance of protecting these safety nets and educating lawmakers on ways to combat waste and fraud without limiting access to care for those in need.

Addressing the broken Medicare physician payment system, Scott pointed out the challenges faced by physicians, including delays in treatment due to prior authorization processes imposed by health insurers. He underscored the need for Congress to address these issues and ensure that healthcare providers are adequately compensated for their services.

The AMA also raised concerns about the impact of cuts to physician payments on the nation’s healthcare system, noting that more doctors are moving away from private practice, contributing to a growing doctor shortage. With only two in five physicians now in doctor-owned private practices, many Americans are facing delays in accessing specialized care.

In conclusion, Scott emphasized the vital role of physicians in providing quality healthcare and called on Congress to consider the implications of proposed legislation on both patients and healthcare providers. The AMA’s efforts to advocate for the interests of physicians and patients reflect their commitment to ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare for all Americans.