As we bid farewell to several esteemed members of the Doctors Caucus at the end of the year, we acknowledge their significant contributions to healthcare legislation. Representatives Larry Bucshon of Indiana, Michael C. Burgess of Texas, and Brad Wenstrup of Ohio will all begin their retirement after many years in office. These Representatives have been instrumental in advocating for changes to Medicare reimbursement policies, drawing from their firsthand experience in both medical practice and business management.

Representatives Burgess and Wenstrup, along with Greg Murphy of North Carolina, have co-chaired the GOP Doctors Caucus, amplifying the voices of healthcare professionals in Congress. Burgess notably spearheaded efforts to pass the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), a critical legislation replacing the outdated sustainable growth rate formula. This legislation not only averted recurrent cuts to physician pay but also paved the way for a transition towards value-based payments, ensuring quality care for patients.

Additionally, Bucshon played a pivotal role during the Medicare payment crisis, advocating for sustainable solutions amidst the perennial threats of physician pay cuts. As a strong voice in Congress for legislation that protects patients from unfair and expensive medical bills, Bucshon’s work was recognized when he received the 2024 AMA Award for Outstanding Government Services in February 2024. Their collective expertise, rooted in front line medical practice and intimate familiarity with Medicare intricacies, has been indispensable in shaping healthcare policy.

As these esteemed lawmakers retire, it's imperative to consider the void they leave in the Doctors Caucus and in Congress. We urge citizens to elect successors who embody the same commitment to healthcare and possess the requisite expertise to navigate its complexities. Identifying candidates from healthcare backgrounds, equipped with firsthand knowledge of patient care and healthcare business, is paramount in ensuring continued progress and advocacy for both healthcare professionals and patients alike.

To learn about who your candidates are, check out the GOTV section on our website. Voting remains one of the most powerful civic actions a U.S. citizen can take to make their voice heard.