New York is on the Precipice of a Patient Access Disaster

For Immediate Release 
December 20, 2022 

New York is on the Precipice of a Patient Access Disaster

The Combination of Federal Medicare Cuts and Potential Expanded Liability Costs Will Devastate Patients’ Access to Care in New York

Statement Attributable to:
Parag Mehta, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York 

“Despite physicians’ heroic efforts in treating patients during the pandemic, too many policymakers are now indifferent to their struggle in trying to keep their doors open to deliver essential patient care expected by our patients.  The latest evidence of this indifference—even disrespect—is Congress’ failure to prevent significant cuts to Medicare physician payment when inflation continues to rapidly drive up practice overhead costs, and at a time when other sectors of the health care delivery system are receiving increases.   Rapidly increasing costs combined with cuts in payment from government and from insurers is simply unsustainable—physician practices will be unable to survive.

“As if these Medicare cuts were not already problematic enough, New York’s dedicated physicians face potentially staggering increases in their already outrageously high liability premiums if Governor Hochul signs into law the bill to explode the size of damages that would be awardable in wrongful death lawsuits.  The combination of federal Medicare cuts and potential expanded liability costs will disproportionately impact physicians and hospitals in underserved communities, expanding health disparities in New York.

“We stand on the precipice of a patient access disaster in New York State.  Congress has already failed to act.  We ask Governor Hochul respectfully to help keep patient health care accessible in New York State by vetoing this disastrous lawsuit expansion legislation.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 

Media Contact:
Roseann Raia | Manager, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x302 | [email protected]