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.
October 2, 2026
Advocacy in Action
ACP Testifies at House Committee Hearing on Medicare Payment Reform
Dr. Rebecca Andrews, immediate past chair of the ACP Board of Regents, urged committee members to support legislation addressing issues contributing to payment instability.
Advocacy Win
ACP Joins Utah Medical Licensing Board in Calling for Reevaluation of the State's AI Prescription Pilot Program
The Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy has developed a liability framework for the program, which is being evaluated by ACP and other physician groups.
Regulatory News
ACP Joins National and State Medical Organizations in Objecting to Proposed Changes to Modifier -25 in Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Under the proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, modifier -25 changes would reduce the amount paid when an E/M service and procedure are performed in the same visit.
In Case You Missed It
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.
Quick Hits
Learn more about the connections between voting and health
ACP's toolkit on Voter Registration and Equitable Access to Elections tells you more about ACP's advocate to support civic participation and policies that ensure safe and equitable access to voting. You can check or update your own voter registration at: https://vote.gov/.
Advocacy News
Recent communications from ACP to legislators, regulators, and other policymakers about issues important to internal medicine physicians.
Press Statements
Medicaid enrollees challenge rule threatening coverage for people with serious health conditions
ACP, five Medicaid enrollees, American Academy of Pediatrics, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, Doctors for America, New Hampshire Medical Society, New Hampshire Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the City of Columbus filed a lawsuit challenging a federal rule that threatens Medicaid coverage for people with serious and chronic health conditions.
ACP: New appointees to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force must operate in an evidence-based manner free from political interference
Statement from ACP in response to the announcement last month that eight new members were appointed to USPSTF.
Letters to Policymakers
ACP Comment Letter to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding a Request for Information on the Categories Used in Federal Vaccine Recommendations and the Role of Shared Clinical Decision-Making
ACP comments on the HHS and the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines Request for Information regarding the Categories Used in Federal Vaccine Recommendations and the Role of Shared Clinical Decision-Making, urging HHS to retain the current decision framework, which has been used for over two decades to translate scientific evidence regarding vaccine efficacy, safety, disease risk, individual circumstances, and patient preferences into clear clinical recommendations.
Joint Letter to Congressional Appropriators Urging FY27 Funding for the Healthy Start Program
Joint letter from health organizations opposing efforts to eliminate funding for the Healthy Start program in the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill and to provide no less than $145.25 million for Healthy Start in FY2027.
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