I am reaching out to ask for your crucial support and action regarding HR 10073, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. This legislation aims to address the ongoing challenges caused by cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) that threaten the ability of physical therapists and assistants, particularly in independent practice, to provide essential care to seniors and other vulnerable populations. You can learn more and take action here.
Continued cuts to the MPFS have forced many independent physical therapy practices to make difficult decisions, including reducing services, limiting patient access, or even closing their doors. This is not merely a financial issue—it directly affects patients’ ability to receive timely and necessary care. Seniors in your communities are among those most impacted, facing greater challenges in accessing rehabilitation services essential to their health, mobility, and independence.
Now is the time to take action and make our voices heard. We need to reach out to members of Congress and urge them to support HR 10073. Here’s how you can help:
- Send Letters to Congress: Sharing your personal experiences and perspectives as a physical therapy professional can make a real difference. When contacting your representatives, emphasize how ongoing cuts have impacted your ability to serve patients effectively.
- Examples to Highlight: You can discuss how:
- The cuts have forced your practice to reduce staff, limit clinic hours, or turn away patients due to unsustainable operating costs.
- Seniors in your district face delayed or diminished access to critical services as a result of fewer available PT providers.
- Independent practices, which often serve underserved and rural communities, are disproportionately affected by these cuts, further limiting patient access.
- Leveraging Voter Voice for Maximum Impact: The UPTA will leverage the Voter Voice access that the APTA has acquired for its advocacy efforts. On matters of such importance, unity is key, and there is no reason for UPTA to spend our members’ dues on duplicating this valuable platform. By working together, we amplify our voice and demonstrate a united front in advocating for what truly matters.
This is a critical moment for our profession and our patients. HR 10073 represents a significant step toward stabilizing and preserving the services that so many depend on. Your voice, your action, and your dedication can and will make a difference.
Thank you for your commitment to advocating for your patients, your profession, and the communities you serve. Together, we are stronger.
