HR 1 and Physician Payments: What You Need to Know Now

HR 1 and Physician Payments: What You Need to Know Now

**HR 1 has passed the House and is now under Senate review. ** One major change under discussion? A shift in how Medicare calculates physician payment rates from 2026 through 2035.

Below, we answer key questions physicians and healthcare professionals are asking—and explain how **Mintco Financial**, as a fiduciary financial advisor, helps doctors make sense of changing compensation structures and future financial planning.

❓ What’s changing in HR 1 regarding physician pay?

**A:** The bill proposes tying the **physician fee schedule conversion factor** to the **Medicare Economic Index (MEI)** from 2026 to 2035. The MEI measures changes in the cost of operating a medical practice—think staff wages, rent, equipment, and more.
This change could result in **higher payments** compared to the current, often flat or reduced, fee schedule updates.

❓ Is this good news for physicians?

**A:** Potentially, yes. If enacted, it would offer more **predictable and inflation-adjusted reimbursements**—a welcomed change after years of uncertainty and payment stagnation. But the long-term effects depend on how the Senate handles reconciliation and final bill language.

❓ What are the chances this change makes it into law?

**A:** Reconciliation in the Senate is rarely straightforward. Budget hawks may push for cuts, while others may support the MEI tie-in to support access to care.
The MEI proposal has bipartisan appeal but may be revised or watered down during negotiations. Physicians should stay informed and plan **financially for multiple outcomes.**

❓ What should physicians and healthcare professionals do now?

**A:** This is a **critical moment to reassess financial plans**—from income projections to practice sustainability and retirement savings.

That’s where **Mintco Financial** comes in.

👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ Fiduciary Financial Planning for Physicians & Healthcare Professionals

We help physicians and medical professionals across New York and nationwide:

* Plan for income shifts due to reimbursement changes
* Optimize tax strategies and cash flow
* Structure retirement and investment plans tailored to medical careers
* Navigate the financial impact of policy and regulatory changes

—