In response to the impending implementation of the student loan provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on July 1, NNECOS is monitoring the Professional Student Degree Act and related legislative efforts that may affect oncology professionals in our region.
Update: Federal Court Grants Preliminary Relief in Challenge to Department of Education Rule

S1031 / HR2120 – Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value Based Payment Program Act of 2025
Establishes a Medicare episode-based payment program for radiation oncology services, shifting from per-treatment reimbursement to patient-centered, value-based payments. Would improve access for rural and underserved patients, encourage innovation, and reduce Medicare spending.
>>View the ASTRO letter of support (May 2026)
Update: ASTRO and House Cancer Caucus to host July 14 Congressional briefing. The briefing will highlight a recent comprehensive analysis of radiation therapy disappearance.

NIH Funding — Opposition to Proposed FY2026 Budget Cuts
The President’s FY2026 budget proposed cutting NIH funding by nearly 40% (from ~$46B to ~$27.9B) and restructuring the agency’s 27 institutes down to eight. NNECOS joined nearly 500 organizations opposing these cuts.
>>View the NIH sign-on letter (June 2025)

S1816 / HR3514 – Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Reforms prior authorization in Medicare Advantage plans by requiring electronic prior authorization systems, establishing transparency requirements, and streamlining approval timelines to reduce delays in patient care.
>>View bill supporters

S1261 / HR4206 – CONNECT for Health Act of 2025
Permanently expands Medicare telehealth access by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners, eliminating in-person visit requirements before telemental health services, and adding program integrity provisions.

S3607 / HR6280 – Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act
Amends Medicare Part B to provide expanded coverage for services furnished by genetic counselors, enabling direct Medicare reimbursement for genetic counseling independent of physician supervision.
>>Contact your representatives: genetic counselors – other clinicians

HR1 – Public Law No. 119-21 — federal Medicaid/coverage changes
>>ASCO & NNECOS provided joint comments to local legislature about the implementation of this public law. Learn more on our State Legislation page.