The American College of Radiology (ACR) is highlighting the first thumbs up from Washington for legislation that will add $9 billion in new spending to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).
By a vote of 215 to 214, the U.S. House passed HR 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, May 22, ACR noted in a May 23 bulletin. ACR members advocated for an annual increase to the MPFS based on MEI during Capitol Hill Day May 7.
"Although there were several changes to the bill made prior to the final full House vote, a provision that would add $9 billion in new spending to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule via an inflation-based update to the conversion factor remained unchanged," the ACR said.
The legislation, updated May 22, includes the MPFS provisions for 2026 and subsequent years, according to the text. Also, changes to the Medicaid program in the bill would move the start date for work requirements from January 1, 2029, to December 31, 2026, the ACR noted. In addition, this component of the bill expands the criteria for states that could lose a portion of their federal payments if they offer coverage to undocumented people.
The bill now advances to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to vote on it around July 4.
