Capitol Hill Report: Congress fails to address physician priorities
January 6, 2025
Issue in focus
Late last year, negotiations regarding a year-end package were disrupted after President-elect Donald Trump publicly announced his opposition to how negotiations were proceeding. Although several AAN priorities were included in the initial package negotiated by congressional leadership, after days of strained negotiations, Congress settled on a stripped-down package to fund the government through March.
The AAN is incredibly disappointed that this year-end package does not include a number of important neurology priorities. This package:
- Only extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through March, creating barriers to operationalization.
- Fails to alleviate impending cuts to Medicare reimbursement, allowing a 2.8% cut to go into effect. Due to AAN efforts to advocate on behalf of the specialty, neurology will only see a 3% cut overall.
- Fails to address administrative burden reform.
The AAN sent a letter to congressional leadership expressing our dissatisfaction with the year-end package and urging immediate action in the 119th Congress. The Academy continues to work diligently to ensure that Congress understands the gravity of the impact of this lack of action. We look forward to working with members of Congress to address these issues early next year.
Interested in getting involved in advocacy efforts to protect neurology in the 119th Congress? Whether you only have a few minutes or can commit to an entire day, you'll find tools for advocates at any level to be involved.
Latest advocacy news
AAN joins letter calling to include expansion of telehealth flexibilities
The AAN joined a stakeholder letter last month highlighting the critical role of telehealth in expanding access to care. This letter called on congressional leadership to include an extension of telehealth flexibilities in the year-end package, advocating for the continuation of these services beyond the upcoming expiration date.
2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule recorded webinar
Also last month, the AAN held a webinar for members discussing the finalized changes under the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that went into effect on January 1, 2025. .
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