AMA: Senate Bill Concerns | Reconciliation Impact
- CHICAGO - The American Medical Association (AMA) on Friday voiced apprehension regarding the Senate reconciliation bill.
- The AMA also noted the bill's omission of a House-approved measure designed to link Medicare physician payments to the actual costs of running a medical practice.
- AMA President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala emphasized the existing challenges patients face in accessing healthcare.
The American Medical Association (AMA) is sounding the alarm regarding the Senate reconciliation bill’s potential impact, specifically focusing on proposed cuts to Medicaid and CHIP funding. these changes could dramatically limit patient access to care and threaten the financial health of physician practices, particularly in underserved areas. The AMA highlights the critical role of physicians, warning that the bill could worsen a projected physician shortage, potentially leading to more costly chronic conditions.News Directory 3 reports on how the AMA stresses the need for senators to consider both patient and physician perspectives to avoid restricting access to essential medical care. Discover what’s next as the AMA continues to advocate for policies supporting patient care.
AMA Raises concerns Over Senate Bill’s Impact on Patient Care
Updated June 23, 2025
CHICAGO – The American Medical Association (AMA) on Friday voiced apprehension regarding the Senate reconciliation bill. The AMA’s concerns centre on proposed reductions in funding for Medicaid and the Children’s health Insurance Program (CHIP). Thes cuts, coupled with altered eligibility standards, could substantially diminish patients’ access to necessary medical services. The changes also threaten the financial stability of physician practices, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities, impacting their ability to fulfill their critical role.
The AMA also noted the bill’s omission of a House-approved measure designed to link Medicare physician payments to the actual costs of running a medical practice. This omission further exacerbates financial pressures on physicians, possibly limiting their role in providing care.
AMA President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala emphasized the existing challenges patients face in accessing healthcare. He cited physician burnout, early retirements, and rising practice costs as factors contributing to a projected physician shortage of 86,000 by 2036. The proposed Senate bill, he warned, risks compounding these problems, especially given the vital role physicians play in preventative care.
“Patients across the country are already struggling to access care,” Dr. Mukkamala said. “Limiting access to a physician does not make patients healthier; actually, it increases the risk of turning acute, treatable issues into costly chronic conditions.”
Mukkamala urged senators to consider the perspectives of both patients and physicians as they continue to refine the bill. He stressed the importance of avoiding changes that would further restrict access to essential medical care.
What’s next
The AMA plans to continue advocating for policies that support patient access to care and the financial stability of physician practices as the Senate reconciliation bill moves forward.