The release of the administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request marks the beginning of the federal spending process, setting the stage for decisions that will impact medical research, public health programs, and patient care nationwide.

As lawmakers begin drafting appropriations bills, there is a meaningful opportunity not only to protect existing programs, but also to strengthen investments that support innovation, access, and long-term health outcomes. Efforts to improve prior authorization processes are gaining traction, with new rules aimed at increasing transparency and reducing delays in care, while conversations around healthcare affordability remain ongoing as policymakers work to address rising costs and evaluate the future of coverage support.

Earlier this month, we saw firsthand the impact of engagement through our virtual Advocacy Week, where advocates from across the country shared their experiences and reinforced the need for continued investment in care, research, and access. These conversations that are especially critical as lawmakers consider legislation and funding priorities in the lead-up to the end of the year.

To stay on top of policies that affect you and your loved ones, I encourage you to become an advocate or support congressional outreach and educational activities through our Advocacy Action Center.

By remaining informed and participating in advocacy efforts, you help ensure that real experiences remain at the center of policy decisions that affect access, affordability, and care for communities across the country.

The White House recently released its annual budget request to Congress, officially kicking off the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 spending process on Capitol Hill. The request is a non-binding statement of priorities that Congress will take into consideration as lawmakers decide on funding levels for federal agencies.

Previous budget requests under President Trump have called for deep funding cuts to federal medical research agencies and public health efforts, while consolidating numerous agencies into a new “Administration for a Healthy America”. Congress, including during the last appropriations cycle, has repeatedly opted instead to invest in medical research and maintain current public health activities.

The new budget request for FY 2027 moderates its previous tone but still calls for modest cuts to medical research and consolidating and reducing public health agencies. While Congress, once again, is unlikely to adopt these proposals, strong advocacy will be needed to ensure that the Senate and House don’t simply maintain the status quo but rather invest in research and public health through their FY 2027 spending bills. 

Prior Authorizations:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is working to advance a new rule on prior authorizations which seeks to promote acceptance of electronic prior authorization for prescription drugs, require responses within 72 hours for most drugs and 24 hours for serious conditions, and start a database of prior authorization acceptance and denial rates. The new rules would apply to exchange plans as well as Medicaid and CHIP.

Affordability:

Congress continues to struggle with extending premium tax credits for health coverage, but both parties are announcing plans to address the rising costs of care. Most recently, Senate Democrats put forward a letter communicating policies to promote “health coverage that works for everyone."

Treatment Development & Approval:

Congress is currently planning to reauthorize a number of programs at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with an eye towards modernizing approaches to rare and serious diseases and expediting drug reviews and approvals. Senate Republicans recently released a report titled “Patients and Families First: Building the FDA of the Future” which features proposals from improving clinical trials to leveraging AI.

Patient Care Legislation:

Bipartisan bills, such as the Safe Step Act and HELP Copays Act continue to be popular in Congress, but sustained outreach will be necessary to ensure they become law this year. Congress is taking input from constituents on critical legislation now, but plans to enact most bills after the November elections, during the “lame duck” session. 

JOIN US IN TAKING ACTION

Earlier this month, Accessia Health advocates representing various patient communities participated in a virtual Advocacy Week. The event featured virtual meetings with key Senate and House offices and provided advocates with the opportunity to share their personal stories and identify challenges and opportunities in the healthcare system. In addition to relaying their personal stories about patient assistance and life with a serious illness, advocates asked for support for medical research and public health funding and co-sponsorship of bills to improve care and access to treatments.

Missed our latest webinar? You can now catch the full conversation on your own time.

"Advocacy In Action: What 2026 Policy Changes Mean for Healthcare" breaks down the latest updates shaping access, affordability, and care for individuals and families navigating rare and chronic conditions.

 Watch the recording today and stay informed on the policies that matter most:

Accessia Health, a national charitable patient assistance organization, is dedicated to eliminating healthcare barriers for people with rare or chronic health conditions. Comprehensive services include personalized case management, financial assistance, education, and legal aid support. Our flexible funding model goes beyond copays, allowing individuals to pay for other essential medical expenses including insurance premiums, screening and diagnostics, therapy services, travel costs and more. Accessia Health works to ensure that every individual has access to the care they need to lead a healthier life. 

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