HRA Continues to Push for Medicare Physician Payment Fix as Senate Democrats Release Standalone Health Bill

April 1, 2025 – The Bipartisan Health Care Act (S. 891) contains the key health provisions that were a part of the December 17, 2024 government funding bill before it was scaled back prior to passage, including increases to Medicare physician payments and Medicare bonuses for participation in alternative payment models, an extension of COVID-era telehealth flexibilities, reforms targeting the pharmacy benefit manager industry, and reauthorization of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (the SUPPORT Act) and the Public Health Preparedness and Response Act (PAHPA).

The bill was introduced by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Wyden and Sanders attempted to “hotline” the bill for passage via unanimous consent. Under this process, a single senator can object and prevent passage. Their attempt was blocked by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), who has not provided a reason for his opposition.

Available Resources

• H.R.6 – SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act
• H.R.4697 – Protecting PAHPA Act of 2023