07/15/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2024 20:54
Families USA joined 19 other organizations (including consumer, provider, and employer advocacy groups) in submitting recommendations on the bipartisan Pay PCPs Act. Primary care is a cornerstone of our health care system and is often the first point of entry into the health care system for many individuals and families. Despite this, broken fee-for-service (FFS) economics have resulted in historical underinvestment in primary care and reduced access to comprehensive primary care for families across the U.S.
These recommendations are aimed at ensuring access to an affordable, equitable, effective and comprehensive primary care system:
The U.S. spends significantly less on primary care than other developed nations, contributing to a national shortage of primary care providers, and providers are currently incentivized and rewarded for higher volumes of services (tests, bloodwork, exams, etc.) without any accountability, oversight, or proof that these services are improving patient health outcomes. In fact, many of the most valuable services provided in primary care, such as home visits or telephone calls, have long gone uncompensated.
Families USA applauds Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for seeking input from key stakeholders on this critical legislation to help ensure the Pay PCPs Act is successful so that providers are rewarded for delivering the best care for our nation's families. Congress must continue to work to develop a glidepath away from FFS, including through the passage of the Pay PCPs Act.