TL/DR –
US Senator Angus King is introducing the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act, a bipartisan legislation that aims to modernize the Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule (MFPS), adjust payments to cover more of the actual cost of delivering medical services, and ultimately enable physicians to care for Medicare patients. The average Medicare reimbursement for physician services has reportedly declined by about 33% since 2001, due to the Medicare budget neutrality threshold, last updated in 1992, failing to keep up with rising care costs. Senator King is joined by US Senators John Boozman, Peter Welch, Roger Marshall, Thom Tillis, and Jeanne Shaheen in sponsoring the legislation.
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U.S. Senator King Proposes the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act
The U.S. Senator Angus King is leading a bipartisan group of senators to introduce legislation designed to support medical professionals working with Medicare patients. The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act is expected to overhaul the Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which outlines the compensation rates for medical services provided. The act aims to ensure the compensation covers more of the actual costs of medical procedures.
The Decline in Medicare Reimbursements
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), there has been an approximately 33% drop in average Medicare compensation for physician services since 2001, once inflation is considered. This decline is mainly attributed to the outdated Medicare budget neutrality threshold, last updated in 1992. This threshold hasn’t kept up with the escalating costs of medical care, leading to the introduced act that aims to restructure the MPFS, thereby supporting medical professionals and preserving their capability to treat Medicare patients.
Senators’ Statements on the Proposed Act
“Accessible, reliable health care is crucial for seniors across Maine, particularly those residing in our rural communities where the availability of providers is limited,” stated Senator King. “The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act is designed to guarantee that Medicare providers are adequately compensated, allowing them to continue providing comprehensive care that Maine seniors depend on for their healthcare requirements. I am honored to join my colleagues in backing this sensible bipartisan legislation that aims to enhance access to top-quality care for older Americans.”
A Range of Support for the Act
Joining Senator King in supporting the legislation are U.S. Senators John Boozman, Peter Welch, Roger Marshall, Thom Tillis, and Jeanne Shaheen.
Senator King’s Health Advocacy
Over the years, Senator King has been a vocal proponent of affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans. In June 2026, he presented the Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act, a bill that mandates private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits without incurring a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible-related cost. Furthermore, in 2022, Senator King voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark package that brought substantial, sensible changes to Medicare by capping annual out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare seniors at $2000 and enabling Medicare to negotiate lower prices for several of its purchased drugs.
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