Federal Advocacy Updates
On March 14, Congress passed a funding bill that extends government funding through September 30. This bill extended current telehealth flexibilities, but did not address the needed payment boost under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Lawmakers are seeking other options to address Medicare payment, including a potential stand-alone bill to address all the health care policies that were left out of the continuing resolution package. The House and Senate are working on budget reconciliation, and while it is possible there may be cuts made to Medicaid and food stamps, the specifics are not yet finalized. On March 24, APTA joined over a dozen medical organizations in urging Congress to avoid Medicaid cuts, highlighting concerns about the impact on vulnerable patients and health providers, particularly in rural areas.
The recently confirmed Secretary of the Department of Education, Linda McMahon, conducted a reduction in force which cut staffing in half, from 4,133 to 2,183. Not long after, President Trump signed an executive order instructing the Secretary to take all the necessary steps to close the Department. APTA will continue to monitor executive actions for their impact on the physical therapy profession.
On February 14, 2025, APTA signed on to a letter drafted by Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition in response to the recently published Supplemental Guidance from the National Institutes of Health capping indirect costs for grantees at 15 percent. The DRRC urged the federal government to reconsider this cap because of the detrimental impact it could have on disability and rehabilitation researchers both now and in the future.
Current Bills
H.R. 879: Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025. Would fully eliminate the 2.8% Medicare fee schedule cut and provide for an inflation adjustment.
H.R. 2332/S. 1101: States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act. Would ensure that background checks are processed quickly to facilitate Compact participation.
H.R. 1517: Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act. Would allow PTs to utilize locum tenens arrangements under Medicare in all geographic areas.
H.R. 1614: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services under the Medicare program. Would make PTs, OTs, and SLPs permanent, rather than temporary, authorized providers of telehealth in Medicare.
Upcoming Events
April is National Advocacy Dinner Month:
Each spring, PT and PTA programs nationwide host an APTA National Advocacy Dinner, aimed at educating students about advocacy, current initiatives, and the importance of being advocates throughout their careers. Host one at your program!
APTA Capitol Hill Day:
July 14-15, Washington D.C. Connect, advocate, and make an impact alongside fellow physical therapy professionals and students on Capitol Hill from July 14-15. This event, in conjunction with APTA Leadership Congress, is for APTA members and provides an opportunity for you to share and amplify your voice with legislators on Capitol Hill. Registration coming soon!