The recent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule for CY2024, released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has raised significant concerns within the healthcare community. A proposed -3.4% cut to physical and occupational therapy providers is on the table, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for patient care and access to essential health services.

Understanding the Implications of the CMS Cuts

These cuts, if implemented, will exacerbate the challenges already faced by therapy providers. The reduction in funding may lead to decreased service availability, impacting patients who rely on these critical services. The decision by CMS to proceed with these cuts has been met with opposition from various Medicare stakeholders, who have warned about the potential negative consequences.

The Need for Legislative Intervention

Given the gravity of the situation, it is imperative that Congress intervenes to prevent these cuts from taking effect. The voice of the public, especially those directly affected by these changes, plays a crucial role in this process. We must collectively urge our lawmakers to reconsider and stop the proposed -3.4% cut to Medicare services before it becomes effective on January 1.

Call to Action: How You Can Help

1. Use Letterhead: If available, use your professional or organizational letterhead for written correspondence.
2. Direct Address: Address your letter or email to a specific legislator. Personalized messages are more likely to receive attention.
3. Include Personal Contact Information: Clearly state your name, title, physical address, and email address. This adds credibility to your appeal.
4. Concise Subject Line: Your subject line should succinctly state your position or concern regarding the legislative issue or proposed bill.
5. Brevity and Clarity: Keep your communication brief and to the point. Clearly state your opposition to the Medicare cuts and the reasons why.
6. Find Your Representative: To contact your local representative, visit [Find Your Representative](https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative).

Conclusion

Your voice matters. By reaching out to legislators, we can collectively advocate for the reversal of these Medicare cuts. This is not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring that patients continue to receive the care they need. Together, we can make a difference. Act now to protect the future of healthcare services.