As the federal government explores a proposed 10 percent funding cut to Medicare, Texas physicians are wary that the move could severely impact patient options.
Should the proposed cut go through, the Texas Medical Association said it expects two-thirds of the state's physicians would be forced to stop accepting Medicare patients.
The move also would make 59 percent of physicians consider opting out of Medicare entirely, 42 percent stop treating current Medicare patients and 43 percent consider retirement.
Linda Villareal, MD, president of the Texas Medical Association, told KFDA that the move would put tremendous strain on emergency rooms, which are still struggling with COVID-19 patients.
"This isn't bad just for physicians, but also for the patients in our communities," Dr. Villareal said. "They're the ones who are going to feel the impact."