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December 9, 2024

Key Year-end Issues

Issue in Focus

As the end of 2024 approaches, much remains on the docket for the 118^th Congress. The AAN is hard at work to urge Congress to address key priority issues before the new year:

• Protecting the health care workforce and access to care by preventing the impending 2.8 percent cut to physician reimbursement under Medicare.
• Ensuring patients have timely access to lifesaving treatments and therapies by passing the Safe Step Act (S. 652/H.R. 2630) and the Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (S. 4532/H.R. 8702).
• Ensuring patients continue to have access to telehealth services by extending telehealth flexibilities past December 31, 2024, including flexibilities that allow physicians to prescribe certain controlled substances over telehealth.
• Addressing the neurology workforce shortage by reauthorizing the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (S. 665/H.R. 4942).
• Investing in neuroscience research and American’s veterans by supporting FY2025 appropriations for the BRAIN Initiative, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the VA Neurology Centers of Excellence.

How can you help? Send messages to your members of Congress to urge them to and . Visit our Action Center to learn more.

BrainPAC: A Powerful Tool Strengthening Our Advocacy Efforts

BrainPAC, the political action committee of the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú, is the only federal PAC in Washington, DC, dedicated solely to representing all of neurology. Every contribution goes to support federal candidates who champion neurology-related issues, regardless of political affiliation. By backing candidates who prioritize policies that advance neurology and patient care, BrainPAC strengthens the voice of our community on Capitol Hill.

Our efforts help elect and re-elect neurology champions, fostering stronger relationships in Washington and across their home states. These connections allow us to educate policymakers on critical issues such as patient access to care, the neurology workforce, and administrative challenges like prior authorization and step therapy. BrainPAC works tirelessly to advocate for you and your patients. about how we fight for neurology every day on Capitol Hill.

Latest Advocacy News

AAN Continues to Monitor President-elect Cabinet Nominees
President-elect Trump has many of the nominees for top health care roles within his administration. The AAN will continue to monitor the status of key nominees as they are announced, and progress related to their confirmations in the coming months. Upon confirmation, the AAN will conduct outreach to key appointees as appropriate. As with previous administrations, the AAN will develop relationships that support our efforts to advocate for policies that benefit neurologists, their patients, and their practices.

AAN Endorses Sleep Medicine Position Statement
The the position statement “Delaying Middle School and High School Start Times Promotes Student Health and Performance: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Statement.” Since adolescents naturally have a later shift in their circadian rhythm, a school start time of 8:30 a.m. or later would provide an adequate opportunity for sufficient sleep and promote brain health.

AAN Sends Letter Congratulating Senate Majority Leader
On November 25, the AAN, in conjunction with the Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC), sent a letter congratulating newly elected Senate Majority Leader-Elect John Thune (R-SD) on his new post for the 119^th Congress. The letter also reiterated our support for passage of the Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532) before the year’s end. As Senate Republican whip, Senator Thune has been a strong advocate for patient-centered care, demonstrated by his leadership as an original sponsor of the Seniors’ Act.

AAN Endorses Two Letters Supporting Conrad State 30
On November 20, the AAN led and endorsed two letters in support of the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4942 / S. 665) and the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (HRWA) (H.R. 6025/ S. 3211). The first letter urged Congressional leadership to include both pieces of legislation in an end-of-year legislative package. The second letter thanked Representatives Suozzi (D-NY) and Luttrell (R-TX) for their work towards crafting a path forward on immigration reform and urged the inclusion of the Conrad 30 bill in this broader framework. The AAN remains steadfast in its efforts to address the workforce shortages in neurology and will continue to advocate for effective solutions to the nationwide health care workforce crisis

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