Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act

Reported lobbying issue

Education: Support for the Resident Education Deferred (REDI) Act (HR 2028/S 942), which would allow physicians and dentists to defer their student loans interest free during residency. Medicare/Medicaid: Providing comments in response to draft legislative efforts to provide long term reform to the Medicare physician payment system. Insurance: Support for the Improving Dental Administration Act (HR 7931), which would apply state dental insurance laws to ERISA dental plans operating in that state. Support for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S 1677/HR 3277), which would require health insurers to cover treatment, including dental, for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. Health Issues: -Supporting S. 4008, the Promoting Dental Health Act, which would reauthorize the CDC DOH for five years. -urging appropriators to support health infrastructure investment across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) including critical investments in oral health workforce, research, and prevention. -Encouraging congressional assistance to seek information from the Defense Health Agency, which administers the Tricare program, on the rates used to reimburse participating providers in the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP). -Urging CMS to use its existing authorities to ensure that Medicare Part D plans prioritize and ensure meaningful access to all FDA-approved, evidence-based, non-opioid medicines indicated for acute pain, including newly approved and first-in-class therapies. -Supporting the H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act (HR 7961), which would exempt physicians, dentists and other healthcare workers from the new $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions as well as prohibit new H-1B fees that exceed the existing fees under the U.S. Code from being imposed on healthcare workers. -Urging apppropriators to reject policies that would prohibit or condition the eligibility of publication costs for federally funded research.

Reported lobbying issue

Insurance: Support for the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act (HR 1521), which would prohibit dental and vision plans from capping fees on non-covered services Support for the Improving Dental Administration Act (HR 7931), which would apply state dental insurance laws to ERISA dental plans operating in that state. Support for reintroduction of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S 1677/HR 3277), which would require health insurers to cover treatment, including dental, for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. Education: Support for the Resident Education Deferred (REDI) Act (HR 2028/S 942), which would allow physicians and dentists to defer their student loans interest free during residency. Comments on the Reimagining and Improving Student Education Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; RIN 1840-AD98 Medicare/Medicaid: Support for legislative efforts to provide long term reform to the Medicare physician payment system as well as repeal the 2.5 precent efficiency cut scheduled for CY 2026. Comments in response to the proposed rule, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA); Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 that opposes reinstating the prohibition on non-pediatric dental services as an essential health benefit. Health Issues: -Support for the RAPID Reserve Act (S 2062/HR 3955), which aims to address drug shortages by awarding federal contracts to American-based manufacturers of generic drugs to encourage domestic production of these critical medications as well as incentivize them to increase their reserves in preparation for possible future public health threats or supply chain challenges and ramp up their production capacity if necessary to proactively prevent shortages. -Support for the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply or MAPS Act (S 1784/HR 4191), which seeks conduct a risk assessment and supply chain map of all essential medicines to help identify vulnerabilities and potential national security risks. -Support for the Drug Shortages Prevention Act (S 2665), which would have required manufacturers to notify the FDA of heightened demand for crucial medicines that could lead to shortages -Support for the reintroduction of the following bill from the 118th Congress: The Drug Shortages Prevention and Quality Improvement Act, which aimed to implement reimbursement models to incentivize the production of generic injectables and extend expiration dates for lifesaving medications -Comments in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) Ensuring Safety Through Domestic Security With Made in America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Essential Medicine Procurement by Medicare Participating Hospitals. -Encouraging congressional assistance to seek information from the Defense Health Agency, which administers the Tricare program, on the rates used to reimburse participating providers in the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP). -Support for FY 2027 appropriations for the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. -Support for the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act (H.R. 1227), which would reduce cost-sharing and prohibits the imposition of certain utilization requirements under the Medicare prescription drug benefit for certain non-opioid pain management drugs. -Urging CMS to communicate to Part D plan sponsors about the clinical importance of FDA-approved, clinically appropriate non-opioid acute pain treatment options and encourage appropriate formulary coverage ensuring beneficiary access to such approaches.

Reported lobbying issue

Insurance: Support for the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act (HR 1521), which would prohibit dental and vision plans from capping fees on non-covered services Support for reintroduction of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S 1677/HR 3277), which would require health insurers to cover treatment, including dental, for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. Education: Support for the Resident Education Deferred (REDI) Act (HR 2028/S 942), which would allow physicians and dentists to defer their student loans interest free during residency. Medicare/Medicaid: Support for legislative efforts to provide long term reform to the Medicare physician payment system. Urging CMS to promptly fill the vacant Chief Dental Officer (CDO) position and to ensure that this role remains housed within the Office of the Administrator. Health Issues: Support for the RAPID Reserve Act (S 2062/HR 3955), which aims to address drug shortages by awarding federal contracts to American-based manufacturers of generic drugs to encourage domestic production of these critical medications as well as incentivize them to increase their reserves in preparation for possible future public health threats or supply chain challenges and ramp up their production capacity if necessary to proactively prevent shortages. Support for the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply or MAPS Act (S 1784/HR 4191), which seeks conduct a risk assessment and supply chain map of all essential medicines to help identify vulnerabilities and potential national security risks. Support for the reintroduction of the following drug and supply bills from the 118th Congress: The Drug Shortages Prevention and Quality Improvement Act, which aimed to implement reimbursement models to incentivize the production of generic injectables and extend expiration dates for lifesaving medications and the Drug Shortages Prevention Act, which would have required manufacturers to notify the FDA of heightened demand for crucial medicines that could lead to shortages. Encouraging congressional assistance to seek information from the Defense Health Agency, which administers the Tricare program, on the rates used to reimburse participating providers in the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP). Tariff (miscellaneous tariff bills): Commenting against potential tariffs on imports of medical devices and supplies. Immigration: Urging the agency to issue clarifying guidance recognizing the entry into the U.S. of H-1B visa dentists and residents - including OMS faculty and OMS residents - as being in the interest of the country, thereby exempting them from the proclamation entitled, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers and the required $100,000 H-1B visa issuance fee.

Reported lobbying issue

Insurance: Support for the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act (HR 1521), which would prohibit dental and vision plans from capping fees on non-covered services Support for reintroduction of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S 1677/HR 3277), which would require health insurers to cover treatment, including dental, for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. Education: Support for the Resident Education Deferred (REDI) Act (HR 2028/S 942), which would allow physicians and dentists to defer their student loans interest free during residency. Input to the Department of Education regarding implementation of student loan provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). Concerns to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed rulemaking on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that seeks to bar organizations from participating in the PSLF program if they engage in activities that have a substantial illegal purpose. Medicare/Medicaid: Support for H.R. 879, the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, which would halt the 2.83 percent Medicare physician payment cut and provide a 6.62 percent update through the end of the year to address inflationary pressures. Health Issues: Support for the RAPID Reserve Act (S 2062/HR 3955), which aims to address drug shortages by awarding federal contracts to American-based manufacturers of generic drugs to encourage domestic production of these critical medications as well as incentivize them to increase their reserves in preparation for possible future public health threats or supply chain challenges and ramp up their production capacity if necessary to proactively prevent shortages. Support for the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply or MAPS Act (S 1784/HR 4191), which seeks conduct a risk assessment and supply chain map of all essential medicines to help identify vulnerabilities and potential national security risks. Support for the reintroduction of the following drug and supply bills from the 118th Congress: The Drug Shortages Prevention and Quality Improvement Act, which aimed to implement reimbursement models to incentivize the production of generic injectables and extend expiration dates for lifesaving medications. Suggestions for deregulation within federal healthcare programs, specifically the request to Rescind Limitations on Notice and Consent Waivers for Non-Emergency Services under the No Surprises Act and to Streamline or Eliminate the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Comments to CMS expressing concern about implementation of the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation ("NOPAIN") Act as provided for in the CY 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems Proposed Rule. Support for HR 4556, the the Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion, and Tooth Health (TEETH Act), which would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to commission an independent, rapid-response evidence review from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine before proposing updates to drinking water regulations that affect community water fluoridation.

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: FY 2026 appropriations - NIH, CDC, HRSA NIH reorganization Health Issues: Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (S.942/H.R.2028) Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S. 1677/HR 3277)

Reported lobbying issue

Medicare/Medicaid: Support for H.R. 879, the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, which would halt the 2.83 percent Medicare physician payment cut and provide a 6.62 percent update through the end of the year to address inflationary pressures. Support for including language in HR 1 to halt the current year cuts and provide long-term reform to the Medicare physician payment system. Concerns about medicaid-related provisions in HR 1. Insurance: Support for the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act (HR 1521), which would prohibit dental and vision plans from capping fees on non-covered services Support for reintroduction of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S 1677/HR 3277), which would require health insurers to cover treatment, including dental, for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. Education: Support for the Resident Education Deferred (REDI) Act (HR 2028/S 942), which would allow physicians and dentists to defer their student loans interest free during residency. Support for H.R. 1758, the Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act, which would allow full-time dental faculty members participating in the Health Resources and Services Administrations (HRSA) Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program (DFLRP) to exclude from income the amount of their loan forgiveness from their federal income taxes. Opposing student loan reforms in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1) -specifically the elimination of the Grad Plus Loan program, the implementation of federal loan caps and the prohibition of time spent in medical and dental residency from counting toward public service loan forgiveness (PSLF). Health Issues: Support for the RAPID Reserve Act (S 2062/HR 3955), which aims to address drug shortages by awarding federal contracts to American-based manufacturers of generic drugs to encourage domestic production of these critical medications as well as incentivize them to increase their reserves in preparation for possible future public health threats or supply chain challenges and ramp up their production capacity if necessary to proactively prevent shortages. Support for the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply or MAPS Act (S 1784/HR 4191), which seeks conduct a risk assessment and supply chain map of all essential medicines to help identify vulnerabilities and potential national security risks. Support for the reintroduction of the following drug and supply bills from the 118th Congress: The Drug Shortages Prevention and Quality Improvement Act, which aimed to implement reimbursement models to incentivize the production of generic injectables and extend expiration dates for lifesaving medications. Support for legislation to reauthorize the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 929/S. 266), which provides funding for programs that support mental healthcare for healthcare providers. Ask the DOD to maintain current water fluoridation levels on overseas bases. Suggestions for deregulation within federal healthcare programs. Support for the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act (H.R. 1227/S. 475) Taxation/Internal Revenue Code: Support for the extension of several small business tax reductions and opposition to the removal of the pass-through entity tax deduction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1) Tariff (miscellaneous tariff bills): Opposition to potential U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Reported lobbying issue

Veterans: Implementation of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2024 in the context of VA community care dental program, dental provider networks, and access to dental care for eligible veterans. Budget/Appropriations: H.R. 9260, H.R. 9171, H.R. 8800, H.R. 8469 - FY27 appropriations for dentistry and oral health funding, including federal oral health prevention programs, dental research, NIH/NIDCR funding, VA funding, HRSA oral health workforce programs, CDC oral health activities, and Indian Health Service dental programs. Federal grant, research funding, and nonprofit funding policy affecting dental research institutions, dental schools, FQHCs, and oral health nonprofits, including OMB and NIH policy proposals affecting allowable costs, publishing costs, indirect costs, and federal research support. Education: Dental faculty pipeline impacts tied to immigration/H-1B policies affecting dental schools Implementation of changes to student aid programs put forth in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 Efforts to make changes to eligibility requirements for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Teaching Health Center, GME, National Health Service Corps and Community Health Center reauthorization H.R. 2028/ S. 942 Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act) H.R. 3711/S. 1948 Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt Act (POST GRAD Act) H.R. 3885, Community Training, Education, and Access for Medical Students Act of 2025 (Community TEAMS Act) H.R. 4262, To reauthorize programs related to health professions education ED-2025 Negotiated Rulemaking; William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program (90 FR 15665) (namely proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program) Medicare/Medicaid: Medicaid strengthening and public benefit policy, including adult dental benefits, pediatric dental/EPSDT protections, Medicaid financing, and Medicaid managed care. CMS Chief Dental Officer position in the Office of the Administrator CMS Rural Health Transformation Program guidance Implementation of changes to Medicaid programs put forth in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 H.R. 5243, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase data transparency for supplemental benefits under Medicare Advantage H.R. 9392, Medicare Advantage Cost Transparency Act Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: Health care workforce expansion policy and improving outcomes in rural and health professional shortage areas S. 266/H.R. 929, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization S. 1101/H.R. 2332, the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act S. 2954, Healthcare Workforce Expansion Act of 2025 S. 4370, the Primary Care Team Education Centers Act Taxation/Internal Revenue Code: Eligibility of oral health services and products as qualified medical expenses for reimbursement or payment through Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs); H.R. 1219, Oral Health Products Inclusion Act Tax policy affecting dental practices, small businesses, and health care providers, including implementation of tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, as applicable. Tobacco: CDC Office on Smoking and Health FY27 funding level and appropriations language Indian/Native American Affairs: FY27 appropriations and policy support for Indian Health Service dental programs, oral health workforce, and access to dental care in tribal communities. Defense: H.R. 1800, National Defense Authorization Act provisions related to military dental treatment facilities, accreditation, military dental readiness, and TRICARE Dental Program policy, including Selected Reserve dental cost-sharing or fee provisions. Health Issues: Senate HELP Committee health care affordability input House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committee submissions on rising health care costs, early prevention, oral health integration, strengthening public benefits for high-risk patients, team-based models, and reducing administrative barriers H.R. 6561, PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2025 H.R. 2001, Action for Dental Health Act Federal oral health infrastructure and public health policy, including oral health leadership and capacity across HHS agencies, cross-agency coordination, the relationship between oral health and mental health outcomes, and HRSA public health priorities relevant to oral health. H.R. 3409, HEADs UP Act H.R. 4556, Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion, and Tooth Health Act (Protect our TEETH Act) S. 4008, Promoting Dental Health Act House Energy and Commerce health care transparency legislation and related proposals, including itemized billing, provider disclosure, charity care, collections, surprise billing, and application of hospital-style requirements to dental offices. S. 4008, Promoting Dental Health Act EPA-Review of Science on Fluoride in Drinking Water: Preliminary Assessment Plan and Literature Survey (91 FR 3722) FDA-Use of Orally Ingestible Unapproved Prescription Drug Products Containing Fluoride in the Pediatric Population (90 FR 25329) NIH-Request for Information on Maximizing Research Funds by Limiting Allowable Publishing Costs (NOT-OD-25-138) NIH-Request for Information (RFI): Inviting Comments and Suggestions on a Framework for the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027-2031 (NOT-OD-26-047) NIH policy affecting dental and craniofacial research, including proposals related to limits on principal investigator grants and research funding stewardship. HHS/PACCARB policy concerning antimicrobial stewardship and the National Action Plan on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. HHS request for information on chronic disease of addiction, mental health, prevention, treatment, and recovery policy. HHS Section 1557 nondiscrimination implementation and notice of vacatur affecting covered health programs and activities. Teledentistry, direct-to-consumer dental/orthodontic treatment, and legislation or policy concerning in-person examination requirements before dental or orthodontic treatment. Insurance: Medicare Advantage supplemental dental benefits, including benefit transparency, encounter data, marketing, beneficiary understanding of coverage, alignment of advertised benefits with actual coverage, consumer protections, surprise billing, provider directory accuracy, and oversight of dental benefit administration. CMS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 and CMS RFI on the essential health benefits framework and typical employer standard, including pediatric oral health EHB, adult dental coverage, stand-alone dental plans, riders, carve-outs, and state flexibility.t H.R. 1521, Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act S. 1677/H.R. 3277, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) S. 1164/H.R. 1397, Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act H.R. 7931, Improving Dental Administration Act ERISA preemption and dental benefit plan accountability, including noncovered services, network leasing, assignment of benefits, virtual credit cards, prior authorization, retroactive denials, downcoding, prompt payment, and application of state dental insurance reforms to self-funded plans. H.R. 5582, Patients Deserve Price Tags Act H.R. 9177, Clear Healthcare Expense Cost Knowledge Act of 2026 H.R. 9397, Premium Transparency Act H.R. 9396, Prior Authorization Accountability Act Trade (domestic/foreign): Tariffs affecting dental medical devices, consumables, and PPE Small Business: Tariffs cost impacts on dental practices and the dental supply chain Science/Technology: HIPAA Security Rule, HIPAA Privacy Rule, cybersecurity compliance, and administrative burden for dental providers. Immigration: USCIS policy changes affecting H-1B visas and the dental education workforce

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Issues related to health care workforce shortages Issues related to funding for the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act (Public Law 117-241) Stop CMV Act (H.R. 5435/S. 2842) Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (H.R. 3277/S. 1677) Various issues related to implementation of the ACA, including Essential Health Benefits and marketplace plans Various issues related to non-discrimination legislation and regulation Issues related to coverage of gender-affirming care/gender-affirming voice therapy Issues related to health information technology, including interoperability Issues related to use of AI in health care Issues related to funding in Fiscal Year 2026 for programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and National Institutes of Health Issues related to reform/restructuring of the National Institutes of Health H.R. 2332/S. 1101, States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act Issues related to coverage of and support for individuals who stutter through federal health programs Issues related to consolidation in the health care industry. Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 2531/S. 1232) Allys Act (H.R. 4606/S. 3400) Healthcare is Human Act (H.R. 7884) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 9260) Defense: Issues related to Tricare, including provider enrollment and payment, and related provisions in H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. Taxation/Internal Revenue Code: Issues related to the tax-exempt status of non-profit organizations, including the Safeguarding Charity Act (H.R. 2896/S. 1428). Education: Various issues related to elimination of the Department of Education and the Presidential Executive Order titled Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities, including IDEA, federal protections, and workforce issues. Various issues related to administrative burden on school-based providers Various issues related to the Higher Education Act, specifically related to student loans, loan forgiveness, and accreditation Issues related to funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including the IDEA Full Funding Act (H.R. 2598/S. 1277) Issues related to IDEA statute and regulations Issues related to school-based Medicaid services Various issues related to shortages of specialized instructional support personnel Issues related to funding in Fiscal Year 2026 for programs administered by the Department of Education Issues related to higher education and college affordability, including student loans Issues related to pediatric audiology workforce shortages, including recognition of pediatric audiology under federal pediatric specialty loan repayment programs H.R. 2332/S. 1101, States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act H.R. 1151/S. 756, the Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act H.R.1968 - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 Strengthening Efforts for Relief and Vital Incentives for Community Service and Engagement (SERVICE) Act (H.R. 2829) H.R. 6574, the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act H.R. 6677/S. 4039, the Professional Degree Access Restoration Act H.R. 6718, to amend the definition of professional degree in the Higher Education Act of 1965. H.R. 6739, to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the definition of professional degree. H.R. 6862, the Protecting Health Care Workforce Pipelines Act H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Medicare/Medicaid: Issues related to prior authorization requirements in Medicare, including H.R. 3514/S. 1816, the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 Issues related to Medicare coverage of audiology services and the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (H.R. 2757/S. 1996) Issues related to the provision of audiology and speech-language pathology services through telepractice, including H.R. 1614, legislation to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services under the Medicare program, H.R. 5801, H.R. 6296, the Advancing Access to Telehealth Act, the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 5081/S. 2709), and S. 3834, the Expanded Telehealth Access Act. Issues related to Medicare Part B reimbursement of audiology and speech-language pathology services, including H.R. 8163, the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026 Issues related to the Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction, including the Removing Excessive Cuts to Outpatient and Vital Essential Rehabilitation (RECOVER) Act (H.R. 8386) H.R. 6160, Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act H.R. 7520, the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act Prompt and Fair Pay Act (H.R. 4559) Medicare Patient Choice Act (H.R. 4204) Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act (H.R. 8464) Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (H.R. 4849/S. 2556) Various issues related to CMS Actions surrounding: Audits of medical records and claims for Part A and B services Procedure code development and valuation of audiology and speech-language pathology services Quality reporting under MIPS Implementation of the IMPACT Act Medicare physician fee schedule Prospective payments systems, including home health and skilled nursing facility policy and payment issues Accountable Care Organizations Federally-facilitated marketplace Medicare Advantage Various issues related to interoperable health information, including the post-acute care interoperability project (PACIO) Medicare telehealth coverage under Part A and B Provision and payment for Part A therapy Various issues related to implementation of ACA Issues related to Medicare beneficiaries accessing services provided by audiologists without a physician order Issues related to qualified Medicare providers Issues related to fraud, waste, and abuse Issues related to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) actions related to value-based care Issues related to proposals to block grant or institute work requirements and/or per capita caps in the Medicaid program.

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 HCR14-Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. H.R.1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R. 3302 Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R.5371 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026 S. 3389 Lowering Health care Cost for Americans Act H.R. 1262 Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act H.R. 5582 Patients Deserve Price Tags Act H.R. 5304 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2026 H.R. 3277 Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act H.R. 9504 Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act H.R. 9599 SECURE 340B Act H.R. 5256 340B ACCESS ACT S. 2587 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2026 S. 2355 Patients Deserve Price Tags Act S. 891 Bipartisan Health Care Act S. 932 Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 S. 1677 Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act S. 2372 340B PATIENTS Act Medicare/Medicaid: HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 HCR14-Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. H.R.1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R. 3302 Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R.5371 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026 S. 3389 Lowering Health care Cost for Americans Act H.R. 1262 Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act H.R. 5582 Patients Deserve Price Tags Act H.R. 5304 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2026 H.R. 3277 Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act H.R. 9504 Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act H.R. 9599 SECURE 340B Act H.R. 5256 340B ACCESS ACT S. 2587 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2026 S. 2355 Patients Deserve Price Tags Act S. 891 Bipartisan Health Care Act S. 932 Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 S. 1677 Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act S. 2372 340B PATIENTS Act

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: AI Diabetic Retinopathy Screening H.R.3277/S. 1677- Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (P.L. 114-10) Improvement Issues Medicare Physician Payment Issues Drug Pricing and Shortages Issues Medicare Part B Drug Price Issues Expansion of Telehealth Services Vision Research Funding and proposed policy changes for federal research programs Step therapy requirements reforms Medicare Coverage for Low Vision Devices Modifications for federal student loan programs Modifications to the Medicaid Program H.R. 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 Healthcare Workforce Issues S. 864, the Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act (HELP Copays Act) S. 1105, the No Upcode Act Funding for the Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program H.R. 2527, the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children Act of 2024 (EDVI Act) H.R.2433 - Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025 H.R. 3514/S. 1816- The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act H.R. 7520, the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act H.R. 3277/S. 16776, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Veterans: Vision Center of Excellence funding/support Provision of vision care within VA health systems Defense: Vision Center of Excellence funding/support NIH/Defense, vision related research funding

Reported lobbying issue

Food Industry (safety, labeling, etc.): FDA-Ultra-Processed Foods; Request for Information (90 FR 35305) FDA-Food Labeling: Front-of-Package Nutrition Information (90 FR 5426) Budget/Appropriations: FY26 appropriations for dentistry and oral health funding, including federal oral health and prevention programs and dental research FY26 Interior appropriations, including Indian Health Service funding FY26 appropriations, including HRSA funding for health workforce and training programs FY26 appropriations, including funding level for CDCs Office on Smoking and Health FY27 appropriations for dentistry and oral health funding, including federal oral health and prevention programs and dental research FY27 Interior appropriations, including Indian Health Service funding FY27 appropriations, including HRSA funding for health workforce and training programs FY27 appropriations, including funding level for CDCs Office on Smoking and Health Education: Dental faculty pipeline impacts tied to immigration/H-1B policies affecting dental schools Implementation of changes to student aid programs put forth in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 Teaching Health Center, GME, National Health Service Corps and Community Health Center reauthorization H.R. 2028/ S. 942 Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act) H.R. 3711/S. 1948 Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt Act (POST GRAD Act) H.R. 3885, Community Training, Education, and Access for Medical Students Act of 2025 (Community TEAMS Act) H.R. 4262, To reauthorize programs related to health professions education ED-2025 Negotiated Rulemaking; William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program (90 FR 15665) (namely proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program) ED-Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) (91 FR 4254) ED-Accrediting Agencies Currently Undergoing Review for the Purpose of Recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Education (91 FR 14005) Medicare/Medicaid: Medicaid strengthening and public benefit policy CMS Chief Dental Officer position in the Office of the Administrator CMS Rural Health Transformation Program guidance Implementation of changes to Medicaid programs put forth in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: Health care workforce expansion policy and improving outcomes in rural and health professional shortage areas S. 266/H.R. 929, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization S. 1101/H.R. 2332, the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act S. 2954, Healthcare Workforce Expansion Act of 2025 DOL-Employee or Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (91 FR 9932) Taxation/Internal Revenue Code: Eligibility of oral health services and products as qualified medical expenses for reimbursement/payment through Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). H.R. 1219, Oral Health Products Inclusion Act Tobacco: H.R.5304/S.2587 - CDC Office on Smoking and Health FY26 funding level and appropriations language Indian/Native American Affairs: FY26 appropriations support for the Indian Health Service Defense: National Defense Authorization Act provisions related to accreditation of military dental treatment facilities (and any implementing DoD/DHA policy as applicable). Health Issues: Senate HELP Committee health care affordability input House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committee submissions on rising health care costs, early prevention, oral health integration, strengthening public benefits for high-risk patients, team-based models, and reducing administrative barriers H.R. 6561, PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2025 Federal oral health infrastructure and public health policy, including oral health leadership and capacity across HHS agencies, cross-agency coordination, the relationship between oral health and mental health outcomes, and HRSA public health priorities relevant to oral health H.R. 2001, Action for Dental Health Act H.R. 3409, HEADs UP Act H.R. 4556, Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion, and Tooth Health Act (Protect our TEETH Act) S. 4008, Promoting Dental Health Act House Energy and Commerce Submission-From Source to Tap: A Hearing to Examine Challenges and Opportunities for Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Drinking Water (2/24/26) EPA-Review of Science on Fluoride in Drinking Water: Preliminary Assessment Plan and Literature Survey (91 FR 3722) FDA-Use of Orally Ingestible Unapproved Prescription Drug Products Containing Fluoride in the Pediatric Population (90 FR 25329) NIH-Request for Information on Maximizing Research Funds by Limiting Allowable Publishing Costs (NOT-OD-25-138) NIH-Request for Information (RFI): Inviting Comments and Suggestions on a Framework for the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027-2031 (NOT-OD-26-047) Insurance: Medicare Advantage supplemental dental benefits, including benefit transparency, marketing and beneficiary understanding of coverage, alignment of advertised benefits with actual coverage, consumer protections, and related concerns with surprise billing and provider directory accuracy. CMS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027, including proposed policy affecting states ability to include routine adult dental services as an essential health benefit H.R. 1521, Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act S. 1677/H.R. 3277, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) S. 1164/H.R. 1397, Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act H.R. 7931, Improving Dental Administration Act Trade (domestic/foreign): Tariffs affecting dental medical devices, consumables, and PPE Small Business: Tariffs cost impacts on dental practices and the dental supply chain Science/Technology: HIPAA Security Rule proposal and cybersecurity compliance policy affecting providers Federal health IT policy affecting dentistry, including ASTP/ONC interoperability and information blocking frameworks as applied to dental electronic health records, phased implementation expectations for small practices, and alignment with national data standards (including vendor accountability and enforcement focus on software vendors versus providers). HHS-Accelerating the Adoption and Use of Artificial Intelligence as Part of Clinical Care (90 FR 60108) HHS-Request for Information: Diagnostic Imaging Interoperability Standards and Certification (91 FR 4054) Immigration: USCIS policy changes affecting H-1B visas and the dental education workforce Veterans: Implementation of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2024 in the context of the Community Care dental program.

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: AI Diabetic Retinopathy Screening H.R.3277/S. 1677- Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Prior authorization utilization policies Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (P.L. 114-10) Improvement Issues Medicare Physician Payment Issues Drug Pricing and Shortages Issues Medicare Part B Drug Price Issues Expansion of Telehealth Services Vision Research Funding and proposed policy changes for federal research programs Step therapy requirements reforms Medicare Coverage for Low Vision Devices Modifications for federal student loan programs Modifications to the Medicaid Program H.R. 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 Healthcare Workforce Issues S. 864, the Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act (HELP Copays Act) S. 1105, the No Upcode Act Funding for the Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program H.R. 2527, the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children Act of 2024 (EDVI Act) H.R.2433 - Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025 H.R. 3514/S. 1816- The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act H.R. 7520, the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act H.R. 3277/S. 16776, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Veterans: Vision Center of Excellence funding/support Provision of vision care within VA health systems Defense: Vision Center of Excellence funding/support NIH/Defense, vision related research funding Military Medical Personnel Reductions and infrastructure challenges

Reported lobbying issue

Food Industry (safety, labeling, etc.): FDA definition/policy work on ultra-processed foods and associated added-sugar harms Taxation/Internal Revenue Code: Eligibility of oral health services and products as qualified medical expenses for reimbursement/payment through Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs); H.R. 1219, Oral Health Products Inclusion Act Tobacco: H.R.5304/S.2587 - CDC Office on Smoking and Health FY26 funding level and appropriations language Indian/Native American Affairs: H.R.4754/S.2431 - FY26 appropriations support for the Indian Health Service Defense: H.R.3838/S.1071/Public Law No: 119-60 - National Defense Authorization Act provisions related to accreditation of military dental treatment facilities (and any implementing DoD/DHA policy as applicable) Health Issues: Senate HELP Committee health care affordability input House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committee submissions on rising health care costs, early prevention, oral health integration, strengthening public benefits for high-risk patients, team-based models, and reducing administrative barriers H.R. 6561, PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2025 FDA policy on ultra-processed foods, including oral health risks associated with added sugar CMS guidance related to the Rural Health Transformation Program CMS organizational leadership on oral health: maintaining the Chief Dental Officer position HIPAA Security Rule proposal and provider cybersecurity policy impacts Federal public health and prevention policy relating to oral health, including cross-agency coordination and the relationship between oral health and mental health outcomes, and HRSA public health priorities relevant to oral health. H.R. 2001, Action for Dental Health Act H.R. 4262, To reauthorize programs related to health professions education H.R. 3409, HEADs UP Act H.R. 4556, Protect our TEETH Act Insurance: Medicare Advantage supplemental dental benefits, including benefit transparency, marketing and beneficiary understanding of coverage, alignment of advertised benefits with actual coverage, consumer protections, and related concerns with surprise billing and provider directory accuracy. H.R. 1521, Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act S. 1677/H.R. 3277, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) S. 1164/H.R. 1397, Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act Trade (domestic/foreign): Tariffs affecting dental medical devices, consumables, and PPE Small Business: Tariffs cost impacts on dental practices and the dental supply chain Budget/Appropriations: H.R.5304/S.2587 - FY26 appropriations for dentistry and oral health funding, including federal oral health and prevention programs and dental research H.R.4754/S.2431 - FY26 Interior appropriations, including Indian Health Service funding H.R.5304/S.2587 - FY26 appropriations, including HRSA funding for health workforce and training programs H.R.5304/S.2587 - FY26 appropriations, including funding level for CDCs Office on Smoking and Health Education: Dental faculty pipeline impacts tied to immigration/H-1B policies affecting dental schools H.R. 2028/S. 942 - Resident Education Deferred Interest Act Implementation of changes to student aid programs put forth in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law No: 119-21) Proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program Teaching Health Center, GME, National Health Service Corps and Community Health Center reauthorization H.R. 3885 - Community TEAMS Act Medicare/Medicaid: Medicaid strengthening and public benefit policy CMS Chief Dental Officer position in the Office of the Administrator CMS Rural Health Transformation Program guidance Medicare Advantage supplemental dental benefits, including benefit transparency, marketing and beneficiary understanding of coverage, alignment of advertised benefits with actual coverage, consumer protections, and related concerns with surprise billing and provider directory accuracy. Implementation of changes to Medicaid programs put forth in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: Health care workforce expansion policy and improving outcomes in rural and health professional shortage areas S. 266/H.R. 929, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization S. 1101/H.R. 2332, the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act S. 2954, Healthcare Workforce Expansion Act of 2025 Science/Technology: HIPAA Security Rule proposal and cybersecurity compliance policy affecting providers Federal health IT policy affecting dentistry, including ASTP/ONC interoperability and information blocking frameworks as applied to dental electronic health records, phased implementation expectations for small practices, and alignment with national data standards (including vendor accountability and enforcement focus on software vendors versus providers). Immigration: USCIS policy changes affecting H-1B visas and the dental education workforce

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: Funding for dental coverage and benefits, caries prevention and oral health promotion, the dental workforce (incl. alternative dental providers and dental residencies), dental and fluoride research, and other dental-related agencies, programs and services. Fiscal Year 2025 & 2026 Appropriations-Agriculture (WIC, school lunches, Team Nutrition) Fiscal Year 2025 & 2026 Appropriations-Defense (dental research programs) Fiscal Year 2025 & 2026 Appropriations-Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (IHS oral health division) Fiscal Year 2025 & 2026 Appropriations-Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (AHRQ, CDC, CMS, HHS, HRSA, NIH/NIDCR, other dental-related agencies) Fiscal Year 2025 & 2026 Appropriations- VA Education: Educational debt, student loans, loan repayment programs, dental school accreditation Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (student loans, accreditation) Bio-Professionals Workforce Pilot Program Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education H.R. 2028/S. 942, Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act) H.R. 1758/S. 1080, Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act H.R. 3711/S. 1948, POST GRAD Act H.R. 1, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act Education-2025 Negotiated Rulemaking; William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program (changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program) EDUCATION: Dental student loans and postgraduate educational debt Medicare/Medicaid: Adult dental Medicaid benefits Medicaid Audits, Claim Processing, Credentialing Childrens Health Insurance Program Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits Postpartum oral health coverage CMS Chief Dental Officer H.R. 1, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act Oral health initiatives, OR access for dentists, Medicaid, Credentialing of Dentists, Medicare medically necessary Dental, Surprise Billing, access to care, Medicaid audits, Medicaid credentialing, Medicaid fees, dental quality measures, network adequacy, claims administration, Medicaid adult dental benefits, Medicaid and CHIP Child and Adult Core Set quality measures, dentist membership in the Core Set Review Workgroup, Medicare Advantage, postpartum oral health coverage, interoperability and prior authorization, health care attachments, provider directory, disparities in dental care, Essential Health Benefits, dental loss ratio Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: Implementation of the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act Dental Team Workforce Shortages Maldistribution of dentists H.R. 2332/S. 1101, the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act S. 2954, Healthcare Workforce Expansion Act of 2025 Infectious Diseases Standard Rulemaking Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule-Preventing Workplace Violence in Healthcare Rural Health Transformation Program H1-B Visa Reform Antitrust Reform, Military spouse licensing reciprocity (OCR), anticompetitive reforms Taxation/Internal Revenue Code: Health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, expand and make permanent the 199A/pass through deduction for small businesses. Tax incentives to work in rural/underserved areas Exempting all repayments loan forgiveness programs from income tax H.R. 1219, to include over-the-counter oral healthcare products as qualified medical expenses which can be purchased with HSA and FSA funds. Corporate Transparency Act Bonus depreciation Retention of corporate tax rate Tax exempt status of credit unions Tax exempt status of 501c3 organizations Tax deductions for charitable contributions Pass-Through Entity Tax Deduction H.R. 1, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act HSA/FSA Oral health care products Tobacco: Office of Smoking and Health Center for Tobacco Products Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Yield of Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products Veterans: VA Community Care Program Licensure Funding for VA Office of Dentistry Authority of VA Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry VA Expiring Authorities Act VETCARE Act Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that Would Require a VA Dental Clinic in Each State H.R. 9146, Ensuring Continuity of Care in Veterans Health Act H.R.8371/ S. 141, Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act H.R. 3838/S. 2296, National Defense Authorization Act VETSmile Dental Pilot Program, Licensing, VA Community Care Program, funding for the VA Office of Dentistry, Authority of Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry Indian/Native American Affairs: Indian Health Service Health Professions Tax Fairness Indian Health Service: Supporting IHS dentists, Dental Health Program, support for dental health workforce, community dental health coordinators Defense: Implementation of Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act Supporting Federal Dental Services Supporting dentists in the National Guard/Reserve NDAA: Tricare Dental Program reform, Military Retirement, FDS ranks Dental Care for Our Troops Act H.R. 3838/S. 2296, National Defense Authorization Act Dental corps priorities and supporting military dentists, transition to Defense Health Agency, Military spouse licensing reciprocity Health Issues: Authority for dental-related programs to operate, caries prevention and oral health promotion, access to dental care, dental research, oral and craniofacial defects, prescribing practices (e.g., opioid prescribing), etc. Affordable Care Act Division of Oral Health Food Labeling: Front-of-Package Nutrition Information Use of Orally Ingestible Fluoride Prescription Drug Products HIPAA Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information National Commission on Fluoride Health Effects Research National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Maximizing Research Funds by Limiting Allowable Publishing Costs Essential Health Benefits Access to dental care for people with disabilities Community Health Center reauthorization (dental clinics) Title VII Reauthorization H.R. 4262, To reauthorize programs related to health professions education Teaching Health Center GME Reauthorization National Health Service Corps Reauthorization S. 1677/H.R. 3277, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) Disparities in dental care H.R. 1521, Dental and Optometric Care Access Act (DOC Access Act) Oral health initiatives Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act H.R. 2001, Action for Dental Health Act Health Profession Shortage Areas Health Information Technology- Interoperability, Standards, AI Access to personal protective equipment for dental offices Emergency Department Boarding VA Community Care Program HHS, USDA Report-Dietary Guidelines for Americans H.R. 929/S. 266, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Mental Health and Licensing of Dentists MATE Act Training for Controlled Substance Providers, DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances ERISA reform Provider directories NIH reform Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health care Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) data privacy H.R. 1219, Oral Health Products Inclusion Act H.R. 3409, HEADs UP Act S. 1164/H.R. 1397, Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act H.R. 4556, Protect Our TEETH Act H.R. 3885, Community TEAMS Act Oral health initiatives, ADH Implementation, National Health Service Corps, Health Professional Shortage Areas, Health Equity, HRSA Chief Dental Officer, Provider Relief Fund, workforce grants, integration of primary health care and oral health care, health equity, oral health literacy, advisory committee on training in primary care medicine and dentistry, National Performance Measures in Dentistry, dental team workforce shortages Oral health initiatives, ADH Implementation, vaccine distribution and receipt, CDC reform Minamata Convention on Mercury, fluoride supplements Cures Act implementation- interoperability, information blocking, AI, standards, USCDI+, USCDI v. 5 implementation Indian Health Service, Medicaid, Health equity, Action for Dental Health, Medicare medically necessary Dental, USPHS, HIPAA, health equity, Public Health Service Environment/Superfund: State-Minamata Convention on Mercury (dental amalgam) National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (fluoride) Food and Water Watch et al. v. Environmental Protection Agency (fluoridation) Personal Protective Equipment Access Fluoride exposure, ADA Guideline Program Caries screening evidence review and recommendation statement, fluoride supplements Community water fluoridation, fluoride supplements Fluoride study NTP state-of-the-science report on fluoride/neurotoxicity, FDA dental amalgam safety statement and infographic NIH, CDC, CMS, Sugar, Fluoride

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: Funding for dental coverage and benefits, caries prevention and oral health promotion, the dental workforce (incl. alternative dental providers and dental residencies), dental and fluoride research, and other dental-related agencies, programs and services. Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Appropriations-Agriculture (WIC, school lunches, Team Nutrition) Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Appropriations-Defense (dental research programs) Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Appropriations-Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (IHS oral health division) Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Appropriations-Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (AHRQ, CDC, CMS, HHS, HRSA, NIH/NIDCR, other dental-related agencies) Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Appropriations- VA Consolidated Appropriations Act American Rescue Plan Indian/Native American Affairs: Indian Health Service Health Professions Tax Fairness Supporting IHS dentists, Dental Health Program, support for dental health workforce, community dental health coordinators Education: Educational debt, student loans, loan repayment programs, dental school accreditation Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (student loans, accreditation) Bio-Professionals Workforce Pilot Program Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education H.R. 2028/S. 942, Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act) H.R. 1758/S. 1080, Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act H.R. 3711/S. 1948, (POST GRAD) Act H.R. 1, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act - educational debt, student loans, loan repayment programs, dental school accreditation, Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (student loans, accreditation), Bio-Professionals Workforce Pilot Program, Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education Medicare/Medicaid: Adult dental Medicaid benefits Medicaid Audits, Claim Processing, Credentialing Childrens Health Insurance Program Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits Postpartum oral health coverage Oral health initiatives, health equity, OR access for dentists, Medicaid, Credentialing of Dentists, Medicare medically necessary Dental, E-prescribing, Oral Pathology Claims, Surprise Billing, access to care, Medicaid audits, Medicaid credentialing, Medicaid fees, dental quality measures, network adequacy, claims administration, Medicaid adult dental benefits, Medicaid and CHIP Child and Adult Core Set quality measures, dentist membership in the Core Set Review Workgroup, Medicare Advantage, postpartum oral health coverage, interoperability and prior authorization, health care attachments, provider directory, disparities in dental care, Essential Health Benefits, Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, dental loss ratio CMS Chief Dental Officer H.R. 1, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act - Adult dental Medicaid benefits, Medicaid Audits, Claim Processing, Credentialing, Childrens Health Insurance Program, Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits, Postpartum oral health coverage, Oral health initiatives, health equity, OR access for dentists, Medicaid, Credentialing of Dentists, Medicare medically necessary Dental, E-prescribing, Oral Pathology Claims, Surprise Billing, access to care, Medicaid audits, Medicaid credentialing, Medicaid fees, dental quality measures, network adequacy, claims administration, Medicaid adult dental benefits, Medicaid and CHIP Child and Adult Core Set quality measures, dentist membership in the Core Set Review Workgroup, Medicare Advantage, postpartum oral health coverage, interoperability and prior authorization, health care attachments, provider directory, disparities in dental care, Essential Health Benefits, Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, dental loss ratio, CMS Chief Dental Officer Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: Implementation of the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act Dental Team Workforce Shortages Maldistribution of dentists H.R. 2332/S. 1101, the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act OSHA-Infectious Diseases Standard Rulemaking OSHA-Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica OSHA Rule-Preventing Workplace Violence in Healthcare Taxation/Internal Revenue Code: Health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, expand and make permanent the 199A/pass through deduction for small businesses. Tax incentives to work in rural/underserved areas Exempting all repayments loan forgiveness programs from income tax H.R. 1219, to include over-the-counter oral healthcare products as qualified medical expenses which can be purchased with HSA and FSA funds. Corporate Transparency Act Bonus depreciation Retention of corporate tax rate Tax exempt status of credit unions Tax exempt status of 501c3 organizations Tax deductions for charitable contributions Pass-Through Entity Tax Deduction H.R. 1, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act - Health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, expand and make permanent the 199A/pass through deduction for small businesses, Tax incentives to work in rural/underserved areas, Exempting all repayments loan forgiveness programs from income tax, Corporate Transparency Act, Bonus depreciation, Retention of corporate tax rate, Tax exempt status of credit unions, Tax exempt status of 501c3 organizations, Tax deductions for charitable contributions, Pass-Through Entity Tax Deduction Tobacco: CDC-Office of Smoking and Health - budget/funding FDA-Center for Tobacco Products - budget/funding FDA-Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Yield of Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products - budget/funding Veterans: VA: VETSmile Pilot Program VA Community Care Program VA: Licensure Funding for VA Office of Dentistry Authority of VA Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry VA Expiring Authorities Act VETCARE Act Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that Would Require a VA Dental Clinic in Each State H.R. 9146, Ensuring Continuity of Care in Veterans Health Act H.R.8371/ S. 141, Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act Defense: Implementation of Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act Supporting Federal Dental Services Supporting dentists in the National Guard/Reserve NDAA: Tricare Dental Program reform, Military Retirement, FDS ranks Dental Care for Our Troops Act Dental corps priorities and supporting military dentists, transition to Defense Health Agency, Military spouse licensing reciprocity Health Issues: Authority for dental-related programs to operate, caries prevention and oral health promotion, access to dental care, dental research, oral and craniofacial defects, prescribing practices (e.g., opioid prescribing), etc. Affordable Care Act CDC-Division of Oral Health FDA-Food Labeling: Front-of-Package Nutrition Information FDA-Use of Orally Ingestible Fluoride Prescription Drug Products HHS/OCR-HIPAA Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information HHS-National Commission on Fluoride Health Effects Research NIH-National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Essential Health Benefits Access to dental care for people with disabilities Community Health Center reauthorization Title VII Reauthorization Teaching Health Center GME Reauthorization National Health Service Corps Reauthorization S. 1677/H.R. 3277, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) Disparities in dental care H.R. 1521, Dental and Optometric Care Access Act (DOC Access Act) Oral health initiatives Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act H.R. 2001, Action for Dental Health Act Health Profession Shortage Areas Health Information Technology- Interoperability, Standards, AI CMS Vaccine Mandate Proposed 2022 CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids Access to personal protective equipment for dental offices Emergency Department Boarding VA Community Care Program HHS, USDA Report-Dietary Guidelines for Americans H.R. 929/S. 266, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Mental Health and Licensing of Dentists DEA-MATE Act Training for Controlled Substance Providers, DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances ERISA reform Provider directories World Oral Health Day NIH reform Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health care Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) data privacy H.R. 1219, Oral Health Products Inclusion Act H.R. 3409, HEADs UP Act S. 1164/H.R. 1397, Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act Protect Our TEETH Act H.R. 1, One Big, Beautiful Bill Act Oral health initiatives, ADH Implementation, National Health Service Corps, Health Professional Shortage Areas, Health Equity, HRSA Chief Dental Officer, Provider Relief Fund, workforce grants, integration of primary health care and oral health care, health equity, oral health literacy, advisory committee on training in primary care medicine and dentistry, National Performance Measures in Dentistry, dental team workforce shortages Environment/Superfund: EPA, State-Minamata Convention on Mercury (dental amalgam) EPA-National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (fluoride) DOJ, EPA-Food and Water Watch et al. v. Environmental Protection Agency (fluoridation)

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Funding for WIC SNAP/Farm Bill Mental Health for Children MODERN WIC Act/21st Century WIC Act Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Funding for HRSA Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program Donor Milk Dietary Guidelines Suicide Prevention School Meal Standards WIC Food Packages Whole Milk Supporting Childrens Mental Health Care Access Mental Health Parity Prevention and Early Intervention Set-Aside in Mental Health Block Grant Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Infant Formula Safety Opioid Overdose Prevention 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Mental Health Medication Prescribing Child passenger safety Appropriations for the Indian Health Service Appropriations for Environmental Programs (including EPA) Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program & Implementation Infant sleep product safety Lead exposure prevention Food safety Paid family and medical leave Regulation of high-powered magnet sets Vehicle emissions standards Button battery ingestions Early childhood education (including Head Start, Childcare) Child product safety and injury prevention, including drowning prevention Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Family First Prevention Services Act implementation Title IV-B Congregate care reform Supports for foster youth/former foster youth (including Chafee Program) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, ozone and particulate matter NAAQS, EPA greenhouse gas regulation, Endangerment Finding QRTP/IMDs Firearm Injury and Violence Prevention (Including Research Funding; Background Checks; Safe/Secure Storage) Childcare Funding & Resources Native American Child Health Water Beads Vaccines Fluoride Child Welfare & Medicaid, Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Housing Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who Deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act Funding Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4709) Donor Milk, Access to Donor Milk Act Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (S.1234/H.R.2590) Supplemental Security Income Equality Act (H.R. 2540) Autonomous Vehicles Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Data Collection Project Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) & Potential Changes Family Resource Centers Infant Formula E-bikes Medicaid Payment Parity (including H.R. 1433 / S. 760 - Kids Access to Primary Care Act) Access to Care in Medicaid/CHIP Medicaid/CHIP federal funding H.R. 4641 - Keep Kids Covered Act S. 2287/H.R. 4425 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) Telehealth - Medicare telehealth extension, CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1261) One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) Hospital at Home Program Vaccines for Children Program S.1677/H.R.3277 - Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) MediKids Act Patients First Act Nutrition Infant Formula Medicaid Immigration Child Welfare Vaccines Healthcare Workforce Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 6291/S. 836) Kids Online Safety Act (H.R. 6484/S.1748) KIDS Act (H.R. 7757) Artificial Intelligence and Child Health Legislation to Protect Young People Online Funding for Title X Family Planning Program Funding for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program Reauthorization, Funding, and Program Implementation Tobacco Product Regulation/Enforcement Tobacco Control Program Funding & Implementation Biomedical Research Funding (NIH, NICHD, AHRQ, etc.) Funding for NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program Funding for Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program PDUFA Reauthorization MDUFA Reauthorization Pediatric Device Consortia Funding Pediatric Trials Network Funding Healthcare for LGBTQ Youth FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill: Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program, Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research, Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program, Emergency Medical Services for Children, National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Global Immunization, Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, Antimicrobial Resistance, Maternal and Child Health, Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act IDEA Full Funding Act (H.R.2598) Artificial Intelligence Autism Vaccines Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (S.830/H.R.2560) FASD Respect Act (S. 139) Family Vaccine Protection Act (H.R.3701) VACCINE Act HEADS UP Act (H.R.3409) Protecting Free Vaccines Act PREVENT HPV Cancers Act (H.R. 6561) Vaccine Transportation Access Act Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6347) Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations bills (Labor HHS and SFOPS/NSRP) Protecting Sensitive Locations Act (H.R.5166 / S.455) Early Childhood Development programming H-1Bs for the Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status, Docket No. FR-6524P-01 [RIN 2501-AE16] Help Separated Children Act (S.4389) Family Detention / DHS policies Unaccompanied Children's Program / Office of Refugee Resettlement Visas for International Medical Graduates National Defense Authorization Act (Mercy Amendment)

Reported lobbying issue

Veterans: H.R.9237, Take Care of Americas Veterans Act. Education: H.R.2028/S.942, Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act. H.R.4681/S.1380, Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. Insurance: H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. H.R.3277/S.1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4606/S.3400, Ally's Act. H.R.4710/S.2420, No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act. S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs: H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.5435/S.2842, Stop CMV Act of 2025. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. Pharmacy: H.R.3164, Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act. Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. Health Issues: Issues related to Medicare physician payment. H.R.539/S.106, Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025. H.R.879/S.1640, Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025. H.R.929/S.266, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act. H.R.2028/S.942, Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act. H.R.2191/S.1390, Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act. H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.2757/S.1996, Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025. H.R.3006/S.1776, Medicare Beneficiary Co-Pay Fairness Act. H.R.3164, Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act. H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. H.R.3277/S.1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4002, Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025. H.R.4206/S.1261, CONNECT for Health Act of 2025. H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.4606/S.3400, Ally's Act. H.R.4681/S.1380, Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. H.R.4710/S.2420, No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. H.R.5435/S.2842, Stop CMV Act of 2025. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. H.R.6160, Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. H.R.7520, Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act. H.R.8163, Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026. H.R.9237, Take Care of America's Veterans Act. H.R.9260, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Commented on May 20, 2026, House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing regarding Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, MACRA, and opportunities for payment reforms. Provided comments to Representatives Greg Murphy, MD; John Joyce, MD; and Kim Schrier, MD; regarding their April 23 discussion draft of legislation to modernize the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). Provided comments to Representatives Greg Murphy, MD; John Joyce, MD; and Kim Schrier, MD; urging them to include provisions in their physician payment reform legislation that would address the impending cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule scheduled to take effect in 2027 and address the efficiency adjustment cuts expected to continue on an indefinite three-year cycle. Medicare/Medicaid: Issues related to Medicare physician payment. H.R.539/S.106, Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025. H.R.879/S.1640, Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025. H.R.2191/S.1390, Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act. H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.2757/S.1996, Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025. H.R.3006/S.1776, Medicare Beneficiary Co-Pay Fairness Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4002, Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025. H.R.4206/S.1261, CONNECT for Health Act of 2025. H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. H.R.6160, Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. H.R.7520, Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act. H.R.8163, Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026. H.R.9260, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Commented on May 20, 2026, House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing regarding Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, MACRA, and opportunities for payment reforms. Provided comments to Representatives Greg Murphy, MD; John Joyce, MD; and Kim Schrier, MD; regarding their April 23 discussion draft of legislation to modernize the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). Provided comments to Representatives Greg Murphy, MD; John Joyce, MD; and Kim Schrier, MD; urging them to include provisions in their physician payment reform legislation that would address the impending cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule scheduled to take effect in 2027 and address the efficiency adjustment cuts expected to continue on an indefinite three-year cycle. Budget/Appropriations: H.R.9260, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: FY 2027 appropriations - NIH, CDC, HRSA, ARPA-H Health Issues: Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S.1677/H.R.3277) Flavored E-cigarettes regulations CDC Division of Oral Health Education: Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (S.942/H.R.2028) Definition of professional degrees under OBBB Act

Reported lobbying issue

Medicare/Medicaid: Issues related to Medicare physician payment. H.R.539/S.106, Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025. H.R.879/S.1640, Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025. H.R.2191/S.1390, Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act. H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.2757/S.1996, Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025. H.R.3006/S.1776, Medicare Beneficiary Co-Pay Fairness Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4002, Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025. H.R.4206/S.1261, CONNECT for Health Act of 2025. H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. H.R.5304/S.2587, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. H.R.6160, Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. H.R. 7520, Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Commented on policies to modernize the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. Submitted comments to CMS on CY 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Submitted response to CMS RFI on Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare Activity (CRUSH) Regulation RFI Budget/Appropriations: H.R.5304/S.2587, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. Submitted an Appropriations request of $310 million for smoking cessation programs in the Centers for Disease Control. Education: H.R.2028/S.942, Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act. H.R.4681/S.1380, Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. Insurance: H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. H.R.3277/S.1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4606/S.3400, Ally's Act. H.R.4710/S.2420, No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act. S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs: H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.5435/S.2842, Stop CMV Act of 2025. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. Pharmacy: H.R.3164, Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act. Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. Commented on the Department of Homeland Security proclamation Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers. Homeland Security: Commented on the Department of Homeland Security proclamation Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers. Health Issues: Issues related to Medicare physician payment. H.R.539/S.106, Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025. H.R.879/S.1640, Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025. H.R.929/S.266, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act. H.R.2028/S.942, Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act. H.R.2191/S.1390, Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act. H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.2757/S.1996, Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025. H.R.3006/S.1776, Medicare Beneficiary Co-Pay Fairness Act. H.R.3164, Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act. H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. H.R.3277/S.1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4002, Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025. H.R.4206/S.1261, CONNECT for Health Act of 2025. H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.4606/S.3400, Ally's Act. H.R.4681/S.1380, Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. H.R.4710/S.2420, No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. H.R.5304/S.2587, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. H.R.5435/S.2842, Stop CMV Act of 2025. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. H.R.6160, Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. H.R. 7520, Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act. S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Commented on policies to modernize the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. Commented on the Department of Homeland Security proclamation Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers. Submitted an Appropriations request of $310 million for smoking cessation programs in the Centers for Disease Control Submitted comments to CMS on CY 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Submitted response to CMS RFI on Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare Activity (CRUSH) Regulation RFI

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: FY 2026 and FY 2027 appropriations - NIH, CDC, HRSA, ARPA-H Health Issues: Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (S.942/H.R.2028) Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S.1677/H.R.3277) Protect Our TEETH Act (H.R.4556)

Reported lobbying issue

Budget/Appropriations: FY 2026 appropriations - NIH, CDC, HRSA Health Issues: Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (S.942/H.R.2028) Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S.1677/H.R.3277) Protect Our TEETH Act (H.R.4556) NIH restructuring

Reported lobbying issue

Health Issues: Issues: Affordable Care Act (ACA), ACA subsidies and tax credits; Telehealth/ telehealth flexibilities; ACA Fraud; Transparency in coverage; Surprise Billing; 2025 Proposed NBPP/Individual Market/ACA exchanges; Rural healthcare; Prior Authorization; Hospital Consolidation; Employer-provided health coverage; Cyber Attack/ Cyber Security; Provider Directories; Community Health + Maternal Health; Hospital Billing; Anti-tiering, Anti-steering; Community Health; Program integrity in the individual marketplace; Federal Budget Process; Artificial Intelligence; Vaccine Coverage; Marketplace Renewal Notices; Cell and Gene Therapies; Food as Medicine; Health Disparities; Individual Market Reforms and eAPTC Extension; Health Savings Accounts Bills: S. 1451 Healthy Competition for Better Care Act (118th) To ban anticompetitive terms in facility and insurance contracts that limit access to higher quality, lower cost care. Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN] H.R.3120 - Healthy Competition for Better Care Act (118th) To ban anticompetitive terms in facility and insurance contracts that limit access to higher quality, lower cost care. Sponsor: Rep. Steel, Michelle [R-CA-45] S.2903 - Safe Step Act To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan to provide an exceptions process for any medication step therapy protocol, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK] H.R.3417 - FAIR Act (118th) To ensure fair billing practices for items and services furnished by off-campus outpatient departments of a provider. Sponsor: Rep. Hern, Kevin [R-OK-1] (118th) H.R. 5378 Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (118th) To promote price transparency in the health care sector, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5] H.R.2483 - Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act To reauthorize certain programs that provide for opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2] S.2121 - SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 To reauthorize certain programs that provide for opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] H.R.1909 - Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2025 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize support for State-based maternal mortality review committees, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disseminate best practices on maternal mortality prevention to hospitals, State-based professional societies, and perinatal quality collaboratives, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] H.R.1197 - PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 To reauthorize the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act. Sponsor: Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2] S.46 - Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand eligibility for the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan. Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH] H.R.247 - Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand eligibility for the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan. Sponsor: Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14] H.R.3237 To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require each off-campus outpatient department of a provider to include a unique identifier on claims for items and services, and to require providers with a department of a provider to submit to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services an attestation with respect to each such department. Sponsor: Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13] S.5535 - No Surprises Act Enforcement Act To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans and health insurance issuers for practices that violate balance billing requirements, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS] H.R.2571 - Self-Insurance Protection Act To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to exclude from the definition of health insurance coverage certain medical stop-loss insurance obtained by certain plan sponsors of group health plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Onder, Robert [R-MO-3] H.R.3277 - Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act To provide health insurance benefits for outpatient and inpatient items and services related to the diagnosis and treatment of a congenital anomaly or birth defect. Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] S.1677 - Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act To provide health insurance benefits for outpatient and inpatient items and services related to the diagnosis and treatment of a congenital anomaly or birth defect. Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] H.R.2079 - Insurance Fraud Accountability Act To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reduce fraudulent enrollments in qualified health plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2] S.976 - Insurance Fraud Accountability Act To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reduce fraudulent enrollments in qualified health plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] H.R.4710 - No Surprises Act Enforcement Act To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans and health insurance issuers for practices that violate balance billing requirements, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3] S.2420 - No Surprises Act Enforcement Act To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans, health insurance issuers, and nonparticipating providers or facilities for practices that violate balance billing requirements, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS] H.R.3841 - Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2025 To enhance the cybersecurity of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. Sponsor: Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6] S.1851 - Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2025 To enhance the cybersecurity of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV] H.R.3419 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. Sponsor: Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22] H.R.2493 - Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 To reauthorize certain programs regarding rural health care. Sponsor: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] S.2301 - Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 To reauthorize certain programs regarding rural health care. Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC] H.R.4262 To reauthorize programs related to health professions education, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9] H.R.3302 - Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Healthy Start Initiative. Sponsor: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14] H.R.3593 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain nursing workforce development programs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14] S.1874 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain nursing workforce development programs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] H.R.2528 - Association Health Plans Act To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to clarify the treatment of certain association health plans as employers, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5] S.2355 - Patients Deserve Price Tags Act To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for hospital and insurer price transparency. Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS] H.R.2509 - COMPLETE Care Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide incentives for behavioral health integration. Sponsor: Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11] S.931 - COMPLETE Care Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide incentives for behavioral health integration. Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] H.R.6703 - Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act To ensure access to affordable health insurance. Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1] S.2497 - Fair Billing Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require a separate identification number and an attestation for each off-campus outpatient department of a provider. Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH] H.R.5972 - Right to Enroll Act of 2025 To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to extend the annual open enrollment period for enrolling in a qualified health plan offered by an Exchange for plan year 2026. Sponsor: Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1] H.R.6232 - HOPE Act To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the enhanced premium tax credit, and to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make certain adjustments to the operation of the Exchanges established under such Act. Sponsor: Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3] S.958 - Tech to Save Moms Act To support the use of technology in maternal health care, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM] H.R.5463 - Choice Arrangement To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the treatment of employer-provided health reimbursement arrangements that are integrated with individual market coverage, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Hern, Kevin [R-OK-1] Medicare/Medicaid: Issues: Same-day billing restrictions in Medicaid; Medicare Advantage & MA Rate Notice; Medicare/Transparency; Medicaid Cuts; Mental Health Care, Youth Mental Health; Site neutral payment reform; Community Health Index reward factor; Community Health Index for MA plans; Medicaid Provider Taxes; MA Reform Bills: H.R.5746 - Addressing Whole Health in Medicare Advantage Act (118th) To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the availability of supplemental benefits to certain Medicare Advantage enrollees. Sponsor: Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12] H.R. 7996, Improving CARE for Youth Act (118th) To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure Medicaid coverage of mental health services and primary care services furnished on the same day. Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] S.2556 - Improving CARE for Youth Act (118th) To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure Medicaid coverage of mental health services and primary care services furnished on the same day. Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE] H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act This bill reduces taxes, reduces or increases spending for various federal programs, increases the statutory debt limit, and otherwise addresses agencies and programs throughout the federal government. Sponsor: Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19] S.1105 - No UPCODE Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve risk adjustment under Medicare Advantage. Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] H.R.4077 - GUARD Veterans Health Care Act To amend title 38, United States Code, and the Social Security Act to permit recovery from the Department of Veterans Affairs of costs from Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans and to modify the authority for recovery by the United States of reasonable charges for certain care or services furnished to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37] S.2145 - GUARD Veterans Health Care Act To amend title 38, United States Code, and the Social Security Act to permit recovery from the Department of Veterans Affairs of costs from Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans and to modify the authority for recovery by the United States of reasonable charges for certain care or services furnished to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA] H.R.668 - Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to coordinate, navigate, and manage care and benefits for veterans enrolled in both the Medicare program and the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6] S.506 - Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to coordinate, navigate, and manage care and benefits for veterans who are enrolled in both the Medicare program and the VA health care system. Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS] H.R.842 - Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests. Sponsor: Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19] S.141 - Connected MOM Act To identify and address barriers to coverage of remote physiologic devices under State Medicaid programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] H.R.4977 - Connected MOM Act To identify and address barriers to coverage of remote physiologic devices under State Medicaid programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. Sponsor: Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22] S.2289 - Healthy Moms and Babies Act To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to improve maternal health coverage under Medicaid and CHIP, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] Pharmacy: Issues: 340B Program/Transparency; generics access; Pharmacy Benefit Managers; Prescription Drug Cost; Step Therapy Bills: S.1954 - Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act To improve the requirements for making a determination of interchangeability of a biological product and its reference product. Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] S. 775, Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications To provide for increased transparency in generic drug applications. Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH] H.R.3839 - To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications. To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications. Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] S. 1067, Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act (118th) To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to citizen petitions. Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH] S.1041 - Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to address the infringement of patents that claim biological products, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] S.1040 - Drug Competition Enhancement Act A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to prohibit product hopping, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] S.1096 - Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act A bill to prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of a generic drug into the market, and to prohibit biological product manufacturers from compensating biosimilar and interchangeable companies to delay the entry of biosimilar biological products and interchangeable biological products. Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] S.1095 - Stop STALLING Act A bill to enable the Federal Trade Commission to deter filing of sham citizen petitions to cover an attempt to interfere with approval of a competing generic drug or biosimilar, to foster competition, and facilitate the efficient review of petitions filed in good faith to raise legitimate public health concerns, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] S.1097 - Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025 To amend title 35, United States Code, to establish an interagency task force between the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Food and Drug Administration for purposes of sharing information and providing technical assistance with respect to patents, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] H.R.4570 - Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025 To amend title 35, United States Code, to establish an interagency task force between the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Food and Drug Administration for purposes of sharing information and providing technical assistance with respect to patents, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] S.2658 - Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act To require sponsors of drug applications and holders of approved applications to provide certain submissions and communications to the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH] S.1302 - Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act To provide for increased transparency in generic drug applications. Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH] H.R.1843 - Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications. Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] H.R.1262 - Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] S.932 - Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK] H.R.6609 - Pharmacists Fight Back in Medicare and Medicaid Act To amend titles XI, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act to establish certain requirements under Medicare and Medicaid with respect to prescription drug benefits and pharmacy benefit managers. Sponsor: Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4] H.R.6610 - Pharmacists Fight Back [in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act] To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to limit the costs of pharmacy benefit managers with respect to Federal employee health benefit plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4]

Reported lobbying issue

Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace: H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. Education: H.R.2028/S.942, Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act. H.R.4681/S.1380, Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. Insurance: H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. H.R.3277/S.1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4606/S.3400, Ally's Act. H.R.4710/S.2420, No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act. S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs: H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. Health Issues: Issues related to Medicare physician payment. H.R.539/S.106, Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025. H.R.879/S.1640, Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025. H.R.929/S.266, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act. H.R.2028/S.942, Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act. H.R.2191/S.1390, Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act. H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.2757/S.1996, Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025. H.R.3006/S.1776, Medicare Beneficiary Co-Pay Fairness Act. H.R.3164, Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act. H.R.3170, Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. H.R.3277/S.1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4002, Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025. H.R.4206/S.1261, CONNECT for Health Act of 2025. H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.4606/S.3400, Ally's Act. H.R.4681/S.1380, Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. H.R.4710/S.2420, No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. H.R.5304/S.2587, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. H.R.5435/S.2842, Stop CMV Act of 2025. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. H.R.6160, Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Commented to House and Senate leadership opposing provision in CY2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule that reduces the work Relative Value Units (RVUs) and intra-service time for all non-time-based codes by 2.5 percent in 2026, with additional reductions expected every three years indefinitely. Commented to House Appropriations Committee commending them for adopting an amendment to the FY2026 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would halt funding to implement the Medicare Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model. Medicare/Medicaid: Issues related to Medicare physician payment. H.R.539/S.106, Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025. H.R.879/S.1640, Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025. H.R.2191/S.1390, Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act. H.R.2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025. H.R.2757/S.1996, Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025. H.R.3006/S.1776, Medicare Beneficiary Co-Pay Fairness Act. H.R.3514/S.1816, Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. H.R.4002, Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025. H.R.4206/S.1261, CONNECT for Health Act of 2025. H.R.4331, Access to Claims Data Act. H.R.4731/S.2439, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. H.R.5304/S.2587, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. H.R.5736, Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. H.R.6160, Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. S.1105, No UPCODE Act. Commented to House and Senate leadership opposing provision in CY2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule that reduces the work Relative Value Units (RVUs) and intra-service time for all non-time-based codes by 2.5 percent in 2026, with additional reductions expected every three years indefinitely. Commented to House Appropriations Committee commending them for adopting an amendment to the FY2026 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would halt funding to implement the Medicare Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model. Budget/Appropriations: H.R.5304/S.2587, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. Commented to House Appropriations Committee commending them for adopting an amendment to the FY2026 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would halt funding to implement the Medicare Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model. Pharmacy: H.R.3164, Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act. H.R.5509/S.2903, Safe Step Act.

Reported lobbying issue

Pharmacy: 340B Program/Transparency; generics access; Pharmacy Benefit Managers; Prescription Drug Cost; Step Therapy S.1954 - Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act To improve the requirements for making a determination of interchangeability of a biological product and its reference product. Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] S. 775, Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications To provide for increased transparency in generic drug applications. Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH] H.R.3839 - To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications. To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications. Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] S. 1067, Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act (118th) To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to citizen petitions. Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH] S.1041 - Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to address the infringement of patents that claim biological products, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] S.1040 - Drug Competition Enhancement Act A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to prohibit product hopping, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] S.1096 - Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act A bill to prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of a generic drug into the market, and to prohibit biological product manufacturers from compensating biosimilar and interchangeable companies to delay the entry of biosimilar biological products and interchangeable biological products. Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] S.1095 - Stop STALLING Act A bill to enable the Federal Trade Commission to deter filing of sham citizen petitions to cover an attempt to interfere with approval of a competing generic drug or biosimilar, to foster competition, and facilitate the efficient review of petitions filed in good faith to raise legitimate public health concerns, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] S.1097 - Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025 To amend title 35, United States Code, to establish an interagency task force between the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Food and Drug Administration for purposes of sharing information and providing technical assistance with respect to patents, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] H.R.4570 - Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025 To amend title 35, United States Code, to establish an interagency task force between the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Food and Drug Administration for purposes of sharing information and providing technical assistance with respect to patents, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] S.2658 - Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act To require sponsors of drug applications and holders of approved applications to provide certain submissions and communications to the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH] S.1302 - Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act To provide for increased transparency in generic drug applications. Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH] H.R.1843 - Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications. Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] H.R.1262 - Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] S.932 - Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK] H.R.6609 - Pharmacists Fight Back in Medicare and Medicaid Act To amend titles XI, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act to establish certain requirements under Medicare and Medicaid with respect to prescription drug benefits and pharmacy benefit managers. Sponsor: Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4] H.R.6610 - Pharmacists Fight Back [in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act] To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to limit the costs of pharmacy benefit managers with respect to Federal employee health benefit plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4] Health Issues: Affordable Care Act (ACA), ACA subsidies and tax credits; Telehealth/ telehealth flexibilities; ACA Fraud; Transparency in coverage; Surprise Billing; 2025 Proposed NBPP/Individual Market/ACA exchanges; Rural healthcare; Prior Authorization; Hospital Consolidation; Employer-provided health coverage; Cyber Attack/ Cyber Security; Provider Directories; Community Health + Maternal Health; Hospital Billing; Anti-tiering, Anti-steering; Community Health; Program integrity in the individual marketplace; Federal Budget Process; Artificial Intelligence; Vaccine Coverage; Marketplace Renewal Notices; Cell and Gene Therapies; Food as Medicine; Health Disparities; Individual Market Reforms and eAPTC Extension; Health Savings Accounts S. 1451 Healthy Competition for Better Care Act (118th) To ban anticompetitive terms in facility and insurance contracts that limit access to higher quality, lower cost care. Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN] H.R.3120 - Healthy Competition for Better Care Act (118th) To ban anticompetitive terms in facility and insurance contracts that limit access to higher quality, lower cost care. Sponsor: Rep. Steel, Michelle [R-CA-45] S.2903 - Safe Step Act To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan to provide an exceptions process for any medication step therapy protocol, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK] H.R.3417 - FAIR Act (118th) To ensure fair billing practices for items and services furnished by off-campus outpatient departments of a provider. Sponsor: Rep. Hern, Kevin [R-OK-1] (118th) H.R. 5378 Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (118th) To promote price transparency in the health care sector, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5] H.R.2483 - Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act To reauthorize certain programs that provide for opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2] S.2121 - SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 To reauthorize certain programs that provide for opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] H.R.1909 - Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2025 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize support for State-based maternal mortality review committees, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disseminate best practices on maternal mortality prevention to hospitals, State-based professional societies, and perinatal quality collaboratives, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] H.R.1197 - PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 To reauthorize the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act. Sponsor: Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2] S.46 - Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand eligibility for the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan. Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH] H.R.247 - Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand eligibility for the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan. Sponsor: Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14] H.R.3237 To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require each off-campus outpatient department of a provider to include a unique identifier on claims for items and services, and to require providers with a department of a provider to submit to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services an attestation with respect to each such department. Sponsor: Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13] S.5535 - No Surprises Act Enforcement Act To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans and health insurance issuers for practices that violate balance billing requirements, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS] H.R.2571 - Self-Insurance Protection Act To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to exclude from the definition of health insurance coverage certain medical stop-loss insurance obtained by certain plan sponsors of group health plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Onder, Robert [R-MO-3] H.R.3277 - Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act To provide health insurance benefits for outpatient and inpatient items and services related to the diagnosis and treatment of a congenital anomaly or birth defect. Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] S.1677 - Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act To provide health insurance benefits for outpatient and inpatient items and services related to the diagnosis and treatment of a congenital anomaly or birth defect. Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] H.R.2079 - Insurance Fraud Accountability Act To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reduce fraudulent enrollments in qualified health plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2] S.976 - Insurance Fraud Accountability Act To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reduce fraudulent enrollments in qualified health plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] H.R.4710 - No Surprises Act Enforcement Act To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans and health insurance issuers for practices that violate balance billing requirements, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3] S.2420 - No Surprises Act Enforcement Act To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans, health insurance issuers, and nonparticipating providers or facilities for practices that violate balance billing requirements, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS] H.R.3841 - Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2025 To enhance the cybersecurity of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. Sponsor: Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6] S.1851 - Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2025 To enhance the cybersecurity of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV] H.R.3419 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. Sponsor: Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22] H.R.2493 - Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 To reauthorize certain programs regarding rural health care. Sponsor: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] S.2301 - Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 To reauthorize certain programs regarding rural health care. Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC] H.R.4262 To reauthorize programs related to health professions education, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9] H.R.3302 - Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Healthy Start Initiative. Sponsor: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14] H.R.3593 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain nursing workforce development programs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14] S.1874 - Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain nursing workforce development programs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] H.R.2528 - Association Health Plans Act To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to clarify the treatment of certain association health plans as employers, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5] S.2355 - Patients Deserve Price Tags Act To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for hospital and insurer price transparency. Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS] H.R.2509 - COMPLETE Care Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide incentives for behavioral health integration. Sponsor: Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11] S.931 - COMPLETE Care Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide incentives for behavioral health integration. Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] H.R.6703 - Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act To ensure access to affordable health insurance. Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1] S.2497 - Fair Billing Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require a separate identification number and an attestation for each off-campus outpatient department of a provider. Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH] H.R.5972 - Right to Enroll Act of 2025 To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to extend the annual open enrollment period for enrolling in a qualified health plan offered by an Exchange for plan year 2026. Sponsor: Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1] H.R.6232 - HOPE Act To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the enhanced premium tax credit, and to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make certain adjustments to the operation of the Exchanges established under such Act. Sponsor: Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3] S.958 - Tech to Save Moms Act To support the use of technology in maternal health care, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM] H.R.5463 - Choice Arrangement To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the treatment of employer-provided health reimbursement arrangements that are integrated with individual market coverage, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Hern, Kevin [R-OK-1] Medicare/Medicaid: Same-day billing restrictions in Medicaid; Medicare Advantage & MA Rate Notice; Medicare/Transparency; Medicaid Cuts; Mental Health Care, Youth Mental Health; Site neutral payment reform; Community Health Index reward factor; Community Health Index for MA plans; Medicaid Provider Taxes; MA Reform H.R.5746 - Addressing Whole Health in Medicare Advantage Act (118th) To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the availability of supplemental benefits to certain Medicare Advantage enrollees. Sponsor: Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12] H.R. 7996, Improving CARE for Youth Act (118th) To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure Medicaid coverage of mental health services and primary care services furnished on the same day. Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] S.2556 - Improving CARE for Youth Act (118th) To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure Medicaid coverage of mental health services and primary care services furnished on the same day. Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE] H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act This bill reduces taxes, reduces or increases spending for various federal programs, increases the statutory debt limit, and otherwise addresses agencies and programs throughout the federal government. Sponsor: Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19] S.1105 - No UPCODE Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve risk adjustment under Medicare Advantage. Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] H.R.4077 - GUARD Veterans Health Care Act To amend title 38, United States Code, and the Social Security Act to permit recovery from the Department of Veterans Affairs of costs from Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans and to modify the authority for recovery by the United States of reasonable charges for certain care or services furnished to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37] S.2145 - GUARD Veterans Health Care Act To amend title 38, United States Code, and the Social Security Act to permit recovery from the Department of Veterans Affairs of costs from Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans and to modify the authority for recovery by the United States of reasonable charges for certain care or services furnished to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA] H.R.668 - Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to coordinate, navigate, and manage care and benefits for veterans enrolled in both the Medicare program and the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6] S.506 - Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to coordinate, navigate, and manage care and benefits for veterans who are enrolled in both the Medicare program and the VA health care system. Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS] H.R.842 - Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests. Sponsor: Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19] S.141 - Connected MOM Act To identify and address barriers to coverage of remote physiologic devices under State Medicaid programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] H.R.4977 - Connected MOM Act To identify and address barriers to coverage of remote physiologic devices under State Medicaid programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. Sponsor: Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22] S.2289 - Healthy Moms and Babies Act To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to improve maternal health coverage under Medicaid and CHIP, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]

Reported lobbying issue

Defense: Vision Center of Excellence funding/support NIH/Defense, vision related research funding Military Medical Personnel Reductions and infrastructure challenges Health Issues: P.L. 111-148 Affordable Care Act, modifications AI Diabetic Retinopathy Screening H.R.3277/S. 1677- Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Prior authorization utilization policies Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (P.L. 114-10) Improvement Issues Medicare Physician Payment Issues Drug Pricing and Shortages Issues Medicare Part B Drug Price Issues Expansion of Telehealth Services Vision Research Funding and proposed policy changes for federal research programs Step therapy requirements reforms Medicare Coverage for Low Vision Devices Modifications for federal student loan programs Modifications to the Medicaid Program H.R. 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 Healthcare Workforce Issues S. 864, the Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act (HELP Copays Act) S. 1105, the No Upcode Act Funding for the Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program H.R. 2527, the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children Act of 2024 (EDVI Act) H.R.2433 - Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025 H.R. 3514/S. 1816- The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act Proposals to restructure federal agencies/workforce Veterans: Vision Center of Excellence funding/support Provision of vision care within VA health systems