Updates From Capitol Hill Day

Last week, I had the privilege of representing our Academy as your Federal Affairs Liaison during visits to Capitol Hill. We met with congressional offices to discuss important issues which affect our profession. I want to share key updates on Medicare payment reform and several important bills currently under consideration.

BIG NEWS: Congress has recently allocated additional funds in the 2026 Federal budget for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. In prior years, we had to advocate for funds after receiving cuts, this is the first year that Congress has acted early!

Our long-term goal remains to secure a permanent, annual inflation update tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) through Section 44304 of H.R. 1. Implementing this reform would provide budgetary stability and help avoid deeper reimbursement cuts in the future.

These bills were also discussed during our meetings with legislators:

• The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R. 1517 / S. 2225) 
• The SAFE Act: Stopping Addiction and Falls in the Elderly Act (H.R. 1171) 
• The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act (H.R. 4074 / Senate companion bill TBD) 
• Visit the APTA Patient Action Center for more information 

August recess is around the corner and it is the perfect time to meet with your legislator at a local level. I will be participating in this year’s August recess and if anyone would like to join me and/or needs help setting up their meetings, please let me know! 

I look forward to keeping you updated on these important advocacy efforts.

Keep on advocating, 

Mercedes Aguirre Valenzuela, PT, DPT

Pediatric Physical Therapist 

Federal Affairs Liaison, APTA ALI

she/her/hers

862-668-2141 | mercedesaguirredpt@gmail.com|LinkedIn