The gist

Blocks a Medicare rule that cuts doctor pay through an 'efficiency adjustment' until 2030, and boosts Medicare physician payment rates for 2026.

Who wins, who loses

• Wins: physicians, especially specialists; medical practices serving Medicare patients.
• Loses: Medicare trust fund (higher spending); reform advocates who wanted lower payments for outdated service codes.

What it does

• Bars the Health Secretary from enforcing the November 5, 2025 efficiency adjustment rule before January 1, 2030.
• Raises the 2026 Medicare physician payment update from 0.75% to 1.24% (qualifying) and 0.25% to 0.74% (nonqualifying).
• Requires a report to Congress within 2 years assessing whether the adjustment is needed.
• Limits any future adjustment to one time only and excludes recently reviewed services.

Why should I care?

Supporters say doctors face rising costs and the cut would push physicians out of Medicare, hurting seniors' access to care. Critics argue the efficiency adjustment fixes overpayments for outdated procedure codes and saves taxpayer money. Medicare spending affects federal deficits that today's teens will inherit. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.