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To the editor:

As lawmakers return home for August recess, policies set in motion back in Washington, D.C., are on the verge of dealing another blow to specialty providers.

Starting in 2022, severe Medicare cuts to the care specialty providers offer to seniors will go into effect. This is particularly harmful considering how the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted these providers: Physical therapy saw a 34% drop in Medicare spending between January and June 2020, while costs continued to rise.

Congress eased these cuts for 2021 to ensure patients have continued access to vital services, but severe cuts still loom unless lawmakers act again.

The seniors in our community rely on physical and occupational therapists to manage their pain, prevent injury and improve mobility. Congress must stop more Medicare cuts to protect their access to this care.

James Winzer

Newport News