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.
April 3, 2026
Regulatory News
ACP to CMS: Proposed ACA Marketplace Changes Will Further Reduce Enrollment
Proposed changes will complicate patient ability to navigate health insurance options, weaken network adequacy protections and lead to inadequate coverage for many.
Congressional News and Perspective
ACP Advocates Against Harmful Changes to Medical Student Loans
Elimination of Graduate PLUS loans, limits to Direct Unsubsidized Loans and changes to deferment and forbearance will effectively worsen the physician shortage.
ACP Urges Congress to Reauthorize Pandemic Preparation Act
The overall framework expired in 2023; ACP is urging reauthorization that incorporates funding for the Strategic National Stockpile and the Medical Reserve Corps.
In Case You Missed It
ACP Announces Next Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer
ACP is pleased to announce that LeRoi Hicks, MD, MPH, MACP has been appointed by the Board of Regents as the next Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of ACP. Dr. Hicks will assume the position on July 6, 2026. With this appointment, he becomes the first African American physician to serve as EVP and CEO of ACP. He has built a national reputation for advancing equity in health care, with a strong focus on addressing health care disparities and the social determinants of health.
Quick Hits
Advocacy News
Joint Letter of Support to Congress for the Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2025 in the 119th Congress
Joint letter expressing strong support for the Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2025 (H.R. 6468), which would alleviate current clinician shortages and fortify our rural communities against future healthcare challenges.
Joint Letter to U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees Supporting Funding for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Activities
Joint letter urging committees to continue to recognize the important role that the CDC plays in protecting Americans from a wide array of health threats and to provide $310 million for tobacco prevention and cessation at the CDC.
Joint Letter to Congressional Appropriators Supporting FY2027 Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Joint letter urging Congress to include $11.581 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's programs in the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
Value Based Coalition Letter to Congressional Leaders to Support for Advanced APM Incentive Extension and Continued Medicare Payment Reform
Joint letter encouraging Congressional leaders to continue seeking opportunities to evaluate and advance proposals to improve the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) and proposing changes for inclusion in a reauthorized version of MACRA.
ACP's Statement for the Record to House Energy & Commerce Committee Hearing on Health Care Affordability
ACP statement to the committee, recommending Congress enact legislation to bolster the primary care physician workforce, provide long-term payment stability for physicians, ensure patients' access to affordable health care coverage, and enhance transparency in the 340B Drug Discount Program.
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