ASA Endorses Patients First Act: A Reform for Medicare Payments

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has expressed support for the newly introduced Patients First Act of 2026, a legislative effort aimed at reforming Medicare physician payments. Spearheaded by Representatives John Joyce (R-PA), Greg Murphy (R-NC), and Kim Schrier (D-WA), all members of the Congressional Doctors Caucuses, the bill garners bipartisan backing.

ASA President Patrick Giam, M.D., emphasized the significance of the proposed changes. The bill seeks to replace inconsistent payment updates with annual adjustments linked to the Medicare Economic Index. This approach is designed to assist medical practices in adapting to rising costs associated with providing care to Medicare recipients.

Essential components of the proposed legislation involve modernizing budget-neutrality requirements and creating a corrective mechanism for errors in CMS utilization estimations. The bill also advocates replacing the current Merit-based Incentive Payment System with a new performance program featuring quality metrics pertinent to clinical practice. It ensures the continued role of Qualified Clinical Data Registries, like the ASA's National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry, within the new framework.

Dr. Giam addressed previous concerns with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015, specifically its payment incentive structure. He expresses optimism that the new proposal will better tackle these issues, providing a more dependable foundation for Medicare’s physician payment and quality programs.

The ASA supports provisions to bolster alternative payment models and enhance transparency in Medicare Innovation Center activities. The Act retains current participation thresholds, increases flexibility for physicians in advanced payment models, and requires rulemaking before significant changes to existing models are implemented.

Dr. Giam highlighted the draft legislation's potential to reduce financial and administrative burdens on medical practices. He looks forward to working with the Doctors Caucuses and other stakeholders to further develop and advance these reforms.

Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is a professional association committed to advancing the practice of anesthesiology, with over 60,000 members. The ASA focuses on maintaining high standards of care in anesthesiology and plays a key role in educating and guiding practitioners across various medical stages, including surgery and critical care. For more information, visit asahq.org.