Federal Advocacy

February 3, 2026

ACC Members,

Today, Congress passed legislation funding Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies through fiscal year (FY) 2026. The package also included several provisions funding critical health care programs.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to our advocacy efforts. Your active participation has played a pivotal role in securing these important provisions, which represent meaningful steps forward in our Mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all.

Key provisions passed include:

• Extension of telehealth flexibilities within Medicare through Dec. 31, 2027. Key ask at Legislative Conference 2025!
• Reestablishment of in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services delivered virtually through Jan. 1, 2028. Key ask at Legislative Conference 2025!
• An increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health. Championed in congressional testimony by ACC President Christopher Kramer, MD, FACC!
• Stability in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Championed in congressional testimony by ACC President Christopher Kramer, MD, FACC!
• Authorization of support for state-based maternal mortality review committees through FY 2030. ACC’s Cardio-OB section played a key role in securing legislative support for this provision!
• Reauthorization of clinician well-being programs through FY 2030.
• An increase in funding for research and awareness programs related to valvular heart disease.

Your proactive engagement has already helped shape policies that impact our profession and the patients we serve. As we navigate the next 10 months with this Congress, I am optimistic about our potential to achieve even greater progress together. Let us build on this momentum and work collaboratively to address other key ACC policy priorities.

Thank you again for your time and dedication to our advocacy work.

Sincerely,