Potentially devastating cuts to Medicare payment beginning in 2021 are still on the table, but there's hope: In late October, Reps. Ami Bera, MD, D-Calif., and Larry Bucshon, MD, R-Ind., introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 8702, the Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020) that would keep Medicare payment levels stable for the next two years through temporary additional relief payments.

The challenge: There are fewer than two months left to change course, and CMS appears unlikely to do much on its own. . Congress must intervene during the postelection session, which means it's crucial that we continue to apply pressure to lawmakers to hammer out a solution as soon as possible.

Here's what you can do:

Tell your legislators to support H.R. 8702 — and get colleagues, patients, family members, and others to do the same. Now that there is specific legislation to support, you need to contact Congress, even if you already sent a message during APTA’s previous push for letter — this is a new initiative. APTA continues to offer an easy way to contact legislators via its Physician Fee Schedule advocacy page. Resources link to communication tools for association members and nonmembers, including patients and other stakeholders. It only takes a few minutes. And remember, it's not a "one-and-done" thing — repeated communication with your legislators isn't just acceptable, it's important.

Join us for a Nov. 17 live update on where things stand and what we can do. Mark your calendars for this APTA Live event beginning at 7 p.m. ET. APTA staff will update you on advocacy efforts to fight the cut, discuss the legislation that’s in Congress, and explain how members, nonmembers, patients, and other stakeholders can make their voices heard.

We're coming together to make a difference. Let's seize this critical opportunity to #FightTheCut.