The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) voted 15-2 to increase payments to physicians and other health care professionals by 0.5 percentage points above current law for 2027.[1][2][3][4] This proposal was presented by the commission's staff at a meeting on December 4 and 5.[2][4] According to survey data, Medicare beneficiaries have higher satisfaction and better access to care than the privately insured, including an easier time getting new patients within two weeks and shorter wait times.[1] The number of clinics billing Medicare increased from 2019 to 2024, although the structure changed.[1] Medical Expenditure Index (MEI) growth peaked at 4.3% in 2022, slowed to around 3% in 2024, and is expected to reach 2.1% in 2027.[1] From 2000 to 2024, cumulative tariff updates were about 14%, while MEI growth was about 56%.[1] Some see the proposal as a pay cut compared to 2026, due to the expiration of the one-time 2.5% raise from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.[4] The Commission recommends that Congress approve this proposal to ensure access to care for the insured.[1][3]