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 26, 2025
Administration News
ACP Issues Statement Calling for Removal of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary
Says he has disregarded decades of evidence-based, proven science and spread dangerous medical misinformation.
Congressional News and Perspective
ACP Continues to Urge Congress to Address Overestimation of Medicare Code Utilization
Due to budget neutrality, overestimation of Medicare code utilization leads to underpayments in the fee schedule.
Advocacy in Action
ACP to Department of Education: Changes to Federal Student Loan Programs Threaten to Further Reduce the Physician Workforce
Borrowing caps on federal student loans and elimination of the Graduate PLUS Program will ultimately hurt patients and the health care system, ACP says.
In Case You Missed It
Apply to be an Intern in ACP's Washington, DC Office
The 2026 Health Policy Internship application cycle is 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 27, 2026 to May 21, 2026 and pays a $4,000 stipend. Find additional information and application instructions on ACP's website.
Quick Hits
Advocacy News
American College of Physicians Calls for Removal of Secretary Kennedy at HHS
ACP statement calling on President Trump and Congress to replace RFK Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to protect public health.
Joint Federation Letter to Congressional Leadership to Extend ACA Premium Tax Credits
Joint letter urging Congress to enact legislation to extend the enhanced advance premium tax credits established in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which have made health coverage more affordable for Americans who purchased coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces in 2025.
ACP Comment Letter to the Department of Education on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program Proposed Rule
ACP letter commenting on the department's proposed rule regarding the PSLF program, which include language changes that are overly broad and could have unintended consequences for physicians serving in nonprofit hospitals, clinics, academic centers and community health organizations.
ACP Comments on 2026 Physician Fee Schedule, Medicare Shared Savings Program, and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program Proposed Rule
ACP letter commenting on the notice of proposed changes to federal programs, offering detailed recommendations and rationale that, if implemented, would strengthen CMS proposals, advance health equity efforts, support physicians and improve access to affordable care.
Joint Letter to the Senate HELP Committee Calling for Oversight of Leadership Changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Joint letter to the Senate HELP Committee calling for bipartisan congressional investigations, public hearings, and corrective action in order to protect the scientific integrity of our nation's health protection agency.
Joint Letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee Calling for Oversight of Leadership Changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Joint letter calling for oversight of CDC leadership changes in order to protect Americans and prevent further erosion of our nation's public health defenses.
Joint Letter of Support to Congress for the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 in the 119th Congress
Joint letter of support for the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025, which is crucial to expanding the physician workforce and ensuring that patients across the country are able to access quality care from health providers.
Joint Letter to the House Energy and Commerce and Senate HELP Committees Supporting Reauthorization of Title VII Health Professions Programs
Joint letter urging swift consideration and advancement of legislation that would reauthorize the Health Resources and Services Administration Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs, which are set to expire at the end of fiscal year 2025.
Joint Coalition Letter to Congressional Appropriators Supporting the Highest Possible Fiscal Year 2026 Allocation for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Joint letter urging congressional appropriators to boost the allocation for the Labor-HHS-Education bill for FY 2026 to provide vital services for the American public and avoid additional cuts in the upcoming fiscal year, which will further undermine the future strength, economic vitality, and security of our nation.
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