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- House hearing spotlights rising health care costs
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health used its March 18 hearing to examine rising health care costs, with a focus on market consolidation and mounting pressure on independent physicians.
The impact: Lawmakers are probing what’s driving higher costs so they can make care more affordable and preserve independent practices.
- Medicare physician reimbursements have fallen 33% since 2001, straining small and independent practices.
- Growing administrative burdens—including prior authorization—are pushing physicians toward employment by larger health systems.
What they’re saying: Republicans cited Affordable Care Act regulations and hospital consolidation as key cost drivers. Democrats warned that cuts to Medicaid and ACA subsidies could leave more patients uninsured and delay needed care.
What’s next: Policy options discussed included hospital price transparency, site neutral payment reforms, and potential changes to the 340B program.
What’s next for the CAP: On Hill Day in April, CAP members will meet with lawmakers to discuss ongoing Medicare physician reimbursement challenges.