The Background: On January 1, a 2.8% cut to Medicare physician reimbursement went into effect, on top of the 1.68% decrease in 2024. The existing Medicare physician payment system is unsustainable, and ASCO is calling on Congress to reform it. The current Medicare reimbursement system makes it difficult for practices to maintain a viable business, and thus, impacts patients’ access to care.

Why it Matters: Physician reimbursement has fallen behind inflationary rates by 33% since 2001. Along with the increased administrative burden placed on providers, the limitations on resources allocated for necessary care, and the lack of incentives to transition to value-based care models, only amplify the unsustainable Medicare physician payment system.

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The Background: Each year Congress must develop and pass appropriations bills to fund the government for the new fiscal year (FY) beginning October 1. In December, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government at FY 2024 levels through March 14. It’s important that Congress pass a full FY 2025 funding bill to limit the impact of flat funding on cancer research planning.

The Ask: For FY 2025, the broader medical and cancer research communities, asks Congress to support the goals of the NCI’s new National Cancer Plan by providing sustainable, long-term funding for biomedical and cancer research.

Why it Matters: ASCO stands ready and eager to work with the NIH, NCI and the entire cancer community to end cancer as we know it, and our funding request for the NIH and NCI is the first step. This year, a difficult budget environment coupled with an election year has added pressure on the appropriations process. It’s vital that we continue to highlight the need for robust federal funding for cancer research.

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The Background:

The flexibilities granted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) allowed expanded use of telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries and providers. This expanded telehealth utilization has helped ensure patients with cancer have uninterrupted access to high-quality care. The increased use of telehealth, when appropriate, has also helped providers reach historically underserved populations, including rural populations and those that might find it prohibitive to take off work, find childcare, and arrange transportation for an in-person visit.

Why it Matters:

While these flexibilities were extended through the end of 2024, without additional Congressional action the restrictions will return in 2025. Congress must take action to make telehealth flexibilities permanent to ensure continued access for Medicare patients regardless of where they live.

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What’s Happening: The ongoing shortages of critical oncology drugs are impacting patients and their oncology care team. ASCO is engaging with congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle and in the House and Senate on proposals to mitigate drug shortages. The lack of predictability in the generic cancer drug supply chain can have severely negative impacts on patients with cancer, including disruptions or delays in treatment, potentially leading to irreversible disease progression. Both Congress and the Administration need to intervene to secure the pharmaceutical pipeline and address drug shortages.

Lawmakers need to hear from you that drug shortages are a high priority that must be addressed this year.

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