Federal Policy and Legislative Advocacy – Successes

This chart includes policy and legislative successes at the federal level.

Year IntroducedIssueType (Letter, Regulation Comments, Legislation)Bill Number & TitleDescriptionPosition Statements & Coalition and Triage Cancer Letter of SupportStatus
2025Research and developmentLetterNot AnsweredPreserving the Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP)Letter requesting that the Senat approve the House-passed funding level ($15 Million) for KCRP in the final FY2026 Defense appropriations bill.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Letter-Preserve-KCRP-Funding.pdf$15 million was restored to the KCRP in H.R. 7148 FY 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act
2025Research and developmentLetterNot AnsweredSupport for NIH FundingLetter urging Congress to provide no less than the Senate Appropriations Committee-approved level of $47.2 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in addition to funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Letter-Oct25-NIH-Funding-Recommendation.pdfFunding Was Not Cut in FY 2026, and ARPA-H was funded by H.R. 7148 FY 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act
2025Research and developmentLetterhttps://appropriations.house.gov/schedule/hearings/labor-health-and-human-services-and-education-public-witness-daySupport for NIH FundingLetter requesting that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) receive no less than $51.303 billion, in addition to support for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-NIH-Funding-Rec.pdfFunding Was Not Cut in FY 2026, and ARPA-H was funded by H.R. 7148 FY 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act
2025Research and developmentLetterhttps://www.researchamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NIH-Sign-On-Letter-June-2025-with-Signatories.pdf?sm_guid=ODY5NTUwfDgyMjM0NDkzfC0xfGpkQHRyaWFnZWNhbmNlci5vcmd8Nzk5MTg1NXx8MHwwfDI2NTE3Nzc2MHw5NTN8MHwwfHw4NjUzNDh8MA2Proposed Cuts to NIH FundingCoalition letter urging legislators to reject cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding proposed in the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request.Opposehttps://www.researchamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NIH-Sign-On-Letter-June-2025-with-Signatories.pdf?sm_guid=ODY5NTUwfDgyMjM0NDkzfC0xfGpkQHRyaWFnZWNhbmNlci5vcmd8Nzk5MTg1NXx8MHwwfDI2NTE3Nzc2MHw5NTN8MHwwfHw4NjUzNDh8MA2Funding Was Not Cut in FY 2026
2025Access to CareBudgethttps://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdfPresidential recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026The President's FY26 discretionary budget proposal eliminated the CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC), which includes cancer registries, the comprehensive cancer control program that sends money to state health departments, awareness campaigns, and cancer education and awareness efforts, alongside cancer screening programs.Opposehttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Protect-DCPC-Final-Letter.pdfFunding Was Not Cut in FY 2026
2025Access to CareLegislationhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1509/textH.R.1509 - Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act of 2025This bill requires states to allow out-of-state providers to enroll in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) without the imposition of screening or enrollment requirements that exceed the minimum necessary for such state to provide payment to such providers.SupportIncluded and passed in H.R. 7148 FY 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Became Public Law No: 119-75
2025MedicareLegislationhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/842H.R. 842 / S.339 - Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage ActThis Act would allow Medicare to cover multi-cancer early detection screenings, once approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and clinical benefit has been shown.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Medicare-MCED-Coverage-Letter.pdfIncluded and passed in H.R. 7148 FY 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Became Public Law No: 119-75
2025MedicareLetterhttps://www.congress.gov/committee-report/118th-congress/house-report/585/1MPPP Reporting and TransparencyCoalition letter calling for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide quarterly reporting and improved transparency for the implementation of the Medicare Premium Payment Program and progress of expanding beneficiary enrollment capabilities and outreach.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Letter-House-Report-on-MPPP-Implementation.pdfRecommended langugage included in House Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Report
2025Access to CareLegislationhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/946H.R.946/S.1862 - ORPHAN Cures ActThis bill would expand the drugs that are excluded from the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program to apply to orphan drugs with multiple rare disease indications.SupportPassed in Reconciliation Package of H.R.1
2024Access to CareLetterhttps://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/11/21/disability-advocates-sound-alarm-over-possible-medicaid-cuts/31179/Letter Opposing Medicaid Funding CutsMembers of the Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC), the Health and Long-Term Services and Supports Task Forces of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities(CCD), and allied organizations write to urge you to exclude Medicaid cuts, work requirements,or any changes that limit funding or eligibility, from budget reconciliation or other legislation.People with disabilities, older adults, family caregivers and their children, direct care workers,and other low-income individuals and families depend on Medicaid every day for their health,safety, and independence. Medicaid enables them to go to work and to care for their lovedones. It is our communities' lifeline, and we cannot afford for any part of it to be cut.Opposehttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Disability-Aging-Sign-On-No-Cuts-to-Medicaid-December-2024.pdfFunding Was Not Cut in FY 2024
2024MedicareLetterhttps://www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicareMedicare Part D Low-Income SubsidyLetter to thank the Biden Administration for implementingCongress’ expansion starting in January 2024 of the full Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS, or “ExtraHelp”)Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NCOA-letter-to-CMS-on-LIS-recommendations.pdfPassed into Law
2024MedicareLetterhttps://www.congress.gov/event/118th-congress/house-event/117503FY 2025 AllocationsLetter to ask Congress to includereport language in the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health, and Human Services Subcommitteereport regarding the implementation of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan thatbegins on January 1, 2025.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FY2025-Senate-LHHS-Report-Language-Sign-on-Letter.pdfBecame Public Law No: 118-83.
2024Access to CareLetterhttps://debbiesdream.org/advocacy/#:~:text=November%201%2C%202024%20%2D%20Debbie's%20Dream,below%20to%20read%20the%20letter.Stomach Cancer Awareness Letter form President BidenIn this letter Triage Cancer joined our partners in requesting that President Biden issue a proclamation for national stomach cancer awareness monthSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/10.1.24-Request-to-WH-for-Stomach-Cancer-Proclamation.pdfPresident Biden wrote back to Debbie's Dream acknowledging stomach cancer awareness month.
2024Research and developmentLetterhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4366H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024Letter requesting that the NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH) receive no less than $47.7 billion, including $7.38 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), plus $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Program Agency for Health (ARPA-H).Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ad-Hoc-Group-FY-25-NIH-Appropriations-Conference-Letter-11.18.24-_Final.pdf03/09/2024 Became Public Law No: 118-42.
2023Access to CareLetterhttps://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocr-dcl-section-504-section-1557-disability.pdfSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care ActLetter in support of expanding the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) ban on the use of the quality adjusted life year (QALY).Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/OCR-504-Sign-on-FINAL-11.13.23.pdfFinal Rule Announced 1/7/2025
2024Research and developmentLetterhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4366H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024Letter requesting that the NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH) receive no less than $47.7 billion, including $7.38 billion for theNational Cancer Institute (NCI), plus $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Program Agencyfor Health (ARPA-H).Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FY24.final_.1.24.pdf03/09/2024 Became Public Law No: 118-42.
2023Research and developmentLetterhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2140S.2140 - Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2023This bill would overturn established Supreme Court precedent and expand patent-eligible subject matter to encompass abstract ideas, laws of nature, and natural phenomena.Opposehttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Stakeholder-Letter-Opposing-PERA-2024-3.12.24.pdfSenate - 06/22/2023 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
2024MedicareLetterN/AN/ALetter commending the Department of Health & Human Services inclusion of provisions in the FY2025 budget that rein in harmful practices of some MA plans.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MA-Final-Rule-Sign-On.pdfPassed
2024MedicareLetterN/ACancer Support Community Letter in support of Medicare Prescription Payment PlanSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CSC-Sign-On-Letter-Medicare-Prescription-Payment-Plan-Model-Documents-FINAL.pdfPassed
2024MedicareLetterN/AN/AAlliance for Aging Research Support Letter FY2025 Medicare Prescription Payment PlanSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FY25-Medicare-Prescription-Payment-Plan-Report-Language-Letter.pdfPassed
2024MedicareLetterN/AN/AMapRx Letter of support for FY2025 Medicare Prescription Payment PlanSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MAPRx_MPPP-Model-Documents-Comment-Letter_2024-04-29-Final.pdfPassed
2023Disability InsuranceProposed Regulationshttps://www.regulations.gov/document/SSA-2021-0014-4327SA-2021-0014-0001SSA proposal to stop reducing SSI payments when someone receives food as a gift or donation.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Comments-Submitted-on-Proposed-Regulation.pdfFinal Rule effective 9/30/24
2022Curb Utilization Management PoliciesProposed Rulehttps://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2022-0190-090187 FR 76238 Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes for Medicare Advantage Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, State Medicaid Agencies, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies and CHIP Managed Care Entities, Issuers of Qualified Health Plans on the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges, Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Eligible Clinicians, and Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals in the Medicare Promoting Interoperability ProgramWill improve the efficiency of the Prior Authorization processes, reduce delays in care and alleviate the burden associated with prior authorization for Medicare Advantage, some Medicaid programs, and Qualified Health Plans.SupportFinal Rule effective 4/8/24
2023Health Insurance AccessProposed Regulationshttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/26/2023-08635/clarifying-eligibility-for-a-qualified-health-plan-through-an-exchange-advance-payments-of-the88 FR 25313 Clarifying Eligibility for a Qualified Health Plan Through an Exchange, Advance Payments of the Premium Tax Credit, Cost-Sharing Reductions, a Basic Health Program, and for Some Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance ProgramsProposal to allow DACA recipients to access health insurance on the MarketplaceSupportFinal Rule effective 11/1/24
2023Access to CareProposed Regulationshttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/16/2023-24184/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2024-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other88 Fed. Reg. 52262 Groups expressing support to allow for reimbursment of navigation servicesSupportFinal Rule effective 1/1/24
2023Insurance CoverageLetterhttps://www.cms.gov/files/document/2023-hcpcs-application-summary-biannual-1-2023-non-drug-and-non-biological-items-and-services.pdfGroup request to CMS to reverse the decision to eliminate S code covering DIEP flap surgerySupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-Letters-DIEP-Flap-Surgery.pdfCMS decision reversed; S codes covering DIEP flap surgery remain in effect
2023Insurance CoverageCommentshttps://www.cms.gov/files/document/hcpcs-public-meeting-agenda-non-drug-and-non-biological-items-and-services-june-1-2023-updated-05/09.pdfCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) First Biannual 2023 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Public Meeting AgendaCMS to revisit the decision to remove S codes for FLAP reconstructive surgeries from the HCPCS.Support keeping the S codeshttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Comments-on-HCP210813XRPKE.pdfCMS decision reversed; S codes covering DIEP flap surgery remain in effect
2023Medical DebtLetter from Patient Advocacy Groupshttps://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/advocates-urging-biden-medical-debt-health-costs/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Daily%20Health%20Policy%20Report&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=249132270&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9tkopwbsCqd7coFUapOqU4Oupn-WYJbel4-qON6MRBMa8Xjr-TtI-2nc9H8Ke9oAdpcyiioDzrVhWe094KFPKISJFJMQ&utm_content=249132270&utm_source=hs_emailGroups asked the Biden Administration to do more to help alleviate medical debtSupportThe Biden administration announced a major initiative to protect Americans from medical debt outlining plans to develop federal rules barring unpaid medical bills from affecting patients’ credit scores.

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