The Minnesota Senior Federation joined forces with the American Medical Association to highlight the growing problem of diminishing payment to physicians under Medicare. “This presents a clear and present danger to seniors across the state,” declared Barbara Kaufman, MnSF board member. “If we don't step up now, not only will this affect us seniors, but our children as well.”

Medicare patients' ability to get in and see the doctor will be severely hampered next year by a steep Medicare cut to physicians, according to a recent survey by the AMA. The survey, which jumpstarts a national campaign to stop next year's 10 percent cut, was completed by nearly 9,000 physicians and their responses paint a bleak picture for the future of Medicare. 

Next year's 10 percent cut is just the tip of the iceberg. Over nine years the cuts total about 40 percent, while the government estimates that the cost of caring for patients will increase 20 percent. Over the life of the cuts, 77 percent of physicians say they will be forced to limit the number of new Medicare patients they treat. 

A 2006 survey of Medicare patient's access to care by the commission that advises Congress on Medicare (MedPAC) found that about 25 percent of Medicare patients seeking a new primary care physician continue to have problems finding one. For the first time the number of Medicare patients having problems finding a new specialist was higher than the rate of privately insured patients. Also of concern, the share of Medicare patients reporting “big problems” finding a specialist “significantly increased” between 2004 and 2006.

The problem is bigger than today's seniors. In 2010, the first wave of baby boomers will age into Medicare when they turn 65. This influx of boomers into the Medicare program occurs in the middle of nine years of Medicare cuts - threatening baby boomers access as new Medicare patients.

America's military families will also be affected by the cuts as TRICARE payments are tied to Medicare rates. The Military Officers Association of America has stated that Congress needs to address this issue so our veterans and active duty military don't have to worry about getting medical care for themselves and their families.

A public poll commissioned by the AMA found that when told about the cuts, 86 percent of Americans are concerned they will harm seniors' access to physician care. Among baby boomers a staggering 93 percent are concerned about seniors' access to care; no doubt this concern reflects worry for parents currently relying on Medicare and for their own future.

In addition, Medicare payments already lag far behind increases in the cost of caring for seniors and these steep cuts come at the same time the government anticipates practice costs will increase 20 percent. In 2007, Medicare physician payment rates are about the same as they were in 2001 - that's in actual dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Congress must act to stop Medicare physician payment cuts and provide payment updates in line with rising practice costs so that seniors' access to care is not in jeopardy. We also need a permanent solution to the flawed mathematical formula that automatically cuts physician payments below the cost of caring for seniors.

Congress must enact legislation that will override the cut to doctors and tie payments to the cost of caring for patients.