Independent community oncology entered 2026 facing major challenges, but advocates have already helped secure important progress for patients and practices.

Together, COA members and staff advanced long-sought pharmacy benefit manager reforms, held the largest Community Oncology Conference in COA history, and strengthened the evidence demonstrating the quality and value of care delivered in the community.

The 2026 Mid-Year Update looks back at these accomplishments and ahead to the policy, research, and practice priorities that will shape the rest of the year. Read the 2026 Mid-Year Update.

COA Backs Major Hospital Payment Reforms in Proposed 2027 OPPS Rule

The proposed 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) rule would strengthen hospital price transparency, expand site-neutral payment policies, and revise Medicare reimbursement for drugs purchased through the 340B program using real-world acquisition-cost data. COA supports these reforms as important steps toward reducing costs for patients, addressing payment disparities, and slowing the consolidation of cancer care. Read COA’s analysis of the proposed OPPS reforms.

COA Calls for Stronger 340B Accountability and Patient Benefit

Sen. Bill Cassidy’s (R-LA) 340B Drug Pricing Integrity and Affordability for Patients Act discussion draft proposes stronger reporting and accountability requirements for hospitals participating in the 340B program. In its response, COA called for additional reforms to ensure that 340B discounts benefit patients while protecting legitimate safety-net providers. Read COA’s patient-centered recommendations.

Separately, a new analysis from Avalere Health also found that implementing the 340B payment rate included in the proposed 2027 OPPS rule would increase overall Medicare Part B payments for 78 percent of hospitals. Read the Avalere analysis.

COA Urges CMS to Address Unintended Consequences in IRA Medicare Drug Negotiations

COA supports the goal of lowering drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries but cautioned that the proposed rule could create unintended access barriers for patients with cancer. COA urged CMS to protect access to patient- and provider-preferred subcutaneous treatments, prevent higher cost-sharing or restrictive formulary placement for negotiated drugs, and ensure that Medicare Advantage step therapy does not delay or override physician-recommended treatment. COA also called for a more appropriate approach to pricing one-time therapies so community practices can continue furnishing them without unsustainable financial risk. Review COA’s recommendations to CMS.

COA Responds to Senate Finance Committee Drug-Pricing RFI

The Senate Finance Committee is seeking input on “commonsense” policies to lower prescription drug costs. Its request for information recognizes concerns including vertical integration and reimbursement that falls below the cost of acquiring and administering certain drugs. COA urged the Committee to build a more comprehensive approach that expands biosimilar adoption, strengthens out-of-pocket protections, and addresses additional barriers affecting patients and independent practices. Read COA’s complete drug-pricing recommendations.

COA Fellows Experience Community Oncology at Coastal Cancer Center

Members of the COA Fellows Initiative recently visited Coastal Cancer Center in South Carolina to learn firsthand how an independent community oncology practice delivers comprehensive, locally based cancer care. The fellows met with practice leaders, including COA Secretary Dr. Emily Touloukian, toured the facilities, and shadowed physicians caring for patients.

The visit was part of COA’s continuing effort to introduce the next generation of oncologists to the clinical, professional, and personal rewards of practicing in the community. Additional mentorship opportunities will be available in the future. Apply to join the COA Fellows Initiative.

Earn Pharmacy CE Credit with On-Demand COPA Sessions

Pharmacy professionals who could not attend the 2026 Community Oncology Conference can now access six pharmacy-track sessions on demand through the Community Oncology Pharmacy Association. Eligible participants can complete the sessions and earn ACPE-accredited continuing education credit. Explore the on-demand pharmacy CE sessions.

September 10: Learn from Your Pharmacy Peers During Monthly COPA Calls

COPA’s monthly call gives pharmacy teams an opportunity to connect with peers and exchange practical insights. Save the date for September 10, at 2 p.m. ET. Learn more about COPA and join a peer-driven pharmacy network.

September 13-14: The Business of Community Oncology Workshop

COA is also hosting a small gathering of community oncology practice leaders for the inaugural Business of Community Oncology Workshop. Attendees will learn about and discuss current regulatory and market challenges impacting the delivery of locally based, high-quality cancer care.

September 14-15: The 2026 Payer Exchange & Innovation Summit

Community oncology practice leaders are gathering for two days of candid discussion on innovative payment and care delivery models with payers, employers, benefit consultants, and other oncology stakeholders. Sessions will address cancer care economics, value-based reimbursement, and the use of data to improve quality and outcomes. Attendance is by invitation only to support meaningful discussion. Learn more about the Payer Exchange & Innovation Summit.

September 24: Sharpen Your Practice Leadership Skills on Monthly CAN Calls

Practice administrators and leadership teams join the monthly CAN calls to share best practices and resources. Save the date for the next call on September 24 at 2 p.m. ET. Learn about CAN and join your fellow practice administrators.

October 14: CPAN Advocacy Chat: A Spotlight on Rural Health

Patients in rural communities face distinct barriers to receiving timely, high-quality cancer care. Join the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) for a discussion on reimbursement pressures, workforce shortages, limited access to specialists, and how rural community oncology practices continue serving patients. This free, interactive virtual event is open to patients, survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, and other cancer care advocates. Register for the Rural Health Advocacy Chat.