January 8, 2025
Media Availability: South Carolina Medical Association Members on Jan. 1 Medicare Reimbursement Cut, Effects on South Carolina
Media Contact
Nina Jackson
njackson@scmedical.org
(803) 237-3148
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Availability: South Carolina Medical Association Members on Jan. 1 Medicare Reimbursement Cut, Effects on South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) strongly opposes the 2.83% cut included in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2025 Medicare physician payment schedule, which went into effect one week ago on January 1.
“The continued reduction in Medicare reimbursement payments not only fails to take into account rising costs of inflation and running a practice,” said SCMA CEO Richele Taylor, “it also seriously undermines the ability of independent clinical practices in underserved areas to care for their communities.”
According to the American Medical Association, physician Medicare pay has dropped 29% since 2001 (adjusted for inflation). In 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services predicts a 3.5% rise in costs of running a practice.
“Unfortunately, many practices are at a breaking point,” said SCMA president M. Mayes DuBose, MD. “If we continue to arbitrarily cut rates year after year, doctors will suffer, but South Carolina’s rural communities will be hit even harder. Congress must act this year to stabilize Medicare payments, which are currently unsustainable and ruinous for patient health.”
For more information on how the 2025 Medicare reimbursement cut will affect South Carolinians, please contact Nina Jackson and we will connect you with our membership.
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About South Carolina Medical Association
Founded in 1848, the South Carolina Medical Association is the premier organization for South Carolina physicians of every specialty and geographic location across the state. Its purpose is to advocate for quality medical care and good health on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina, as well as to represent the physician voice — regardless of their practice setting.
