Strengthens Medicare by updating the physician fee schedule conversion factor based on the Medicare economic index.

The Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to update the Medicare physician fee schedule conversion factor based on the Medicare economic index. This change applies starting in 2026, replacing the current dual conversion factor system. The update will be equal to the Secretary’s estimate of the percentage increase in the Medicare economic index for each year. This bill aims to provide a more streamlined and economically reflective update mechanism for Medicare payments to physicians.

Strengthens Medicare by updating the physician fee schedule conversion factor based on the Medicare economic index.

The Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to update the Medicare physician fee schedule conversion factor based on the Medicare economic index. This change applies starting in 2026, replacing the current dual conversion factor system. The update will be equal to the Secretary’s estimate of the percentage increase in the Medicare economic index for each year. This bill aims to provide a more streamlined and economically reflective update mechanism for Medicare payments to physicians.