ACP Advocate
The ACP Advocate is an online newsletter for ACP members interested in advocacy. An ACP login is required to access these articles. Not a member? Visit our Membership section to learn about joining.
September 4, 2026
Congressional News and Perspective
Recently Introduced Patients First Act Aims to Improve Physician Reimbursement, Access to Primary Care
ACP and several other leading physician groups strongly support passage of the legislation.
ACP Policy News
ACP Champions Multipronged Approach to Addressing Obesity
In a recently published position paper, ACP offers guidelines for improving access to obesity treatment.
ACP Calls for Increased Oversight of Dietary Supplements
In position paper, ACP provides recommendations to ensure public safety in the use of supplements.
In Case You Missed It
Now Open: Apply to be an Intern in ACP's Washington, DC Office
The 2027 Health Policy Internship application cycle is now open until Oct. 31. The internship provides a multifaceted opportunity for medical students and residents to learn about the legislative process, health policy, and advocacy in organized medicine. Interns will provide assistance with researching and analyzing current issues in health and medical education policy, assisting with on-going advocacy initiatives, and the development of advocacy materials. Interns will have the opportunity to attend congressional hearings, coalition meetings, and accompany government affairs staff on lobby visits to members of Congress and their staff and to events.
The internship lasts from April 26, 2027 to May 21, 2027 and pays a $4,000 stipend. Find additional information and application instructions on ACP's website.
Action Alert: Urge Your U.S. Representative to Co-Sponsor the Patients First Act of 2026
ACP is calling on you to urge your U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor the Patients First Act of 2026 (H.R. 9693), bipartisan legislation that would support patient access to primary care by strengthening Medicare payment for primary care and all physician services.
Visit ACP's Legislative Action Center to learn more and take action. A sample email is provided for you that includes space for you to personalize the letter. Join the Advocates for Internal Medicine Network to receive ACP's action alerts directly and advocate for the interests of internal medicine in Washington.
Quick Hits
Advocacy News
ACP Response to the Senate HELP Committee Regarding 340B Drug Pricing Integrity and Affordability for Patients Act Discussion Draft
ACP response letter expressing support for several of the provisions of the 340B for Patients Act discussion draft with the hope that these can be passed out of the HELP Committee and enacted.
Joint Comment Letter Regarding Department of Energy Process Rule
Joint letter opposing the Department of Energy's proposed revisions to the “Process Rule,” which would create unnecessary barriers to the development and implementation of appliance efficiency standards and delay associated public health benefits.
Letter to U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement Regarding the Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule
Joint letter in response to the proposed rule expressing strong concern that the rule will cause significant and permanent harm to unaccompanied children.
ACP Joins Coalition Support Letter for the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act
Joint letter in support of the introduction of H.R. 8500, the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act of 2026, which would help to ensure that patients have access to medically necessary items and services by making local coverage determination access more predictable and meaningful through providing an open, transparent process and improving the CMS oversight of Medicare Administrative Contractors coverage policies.
ACP Letter in Support of the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026
ACP letter expressing support for S. 5180, Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026, which would enhance access to care for Medicare beneficiaries and help independent physician practices to remain financially viable and is important for rural and underserved communities where the number of independent physician practices has declined over the last several decades.
More than 210 leading medical, health and patient advocacy groups oppose recent Executive Order on childhood vaccines
Joint statement from organizations representing physicians, nurses, medical professionals, scientists, pharmacists, public health, patients and families expressing alarm about the August 10 White House Executive Order that advises, without evidence, reducing and spacing out recommended childhood vaccines.
ACP comment letter in support of CMS's goal of encouraging care in clinically appropriate settings while reducing unnecessary costs for Medicare beneficiaries, such as the proposed Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System rule for Calendar Year 2027.
ACP Response to Senate Democrats Drug Pricing Request For Information
ACP response letter offering recommendations for policies and draft legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs for patients.
ACP Summary of 2027 Physician Fee Schedule, Medicare Shared Savings Program, and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program Proposed Rule
Summary of the proposed Calendar Year 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, proposals, and other Medicare Part B policies effective on or after January 1, 2027.
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