Congress must pass funding legislation by Dec. 20 to prevent a government shutdown. Although a continuing resolution (CR) proposed earlier this week included several important health care provisions, significant opposition due to the inclusion of many other policy add-ons have forced congressional leaders to pivot to developing a more streamlined CR.

"As Congress works to avert a government shutdown, the ACC urgently calls on lawmakers to advance essential health care provisions that ensure continued access to cardiovascular care," said ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC. "We are navigating this rapidly evolving situation alongside our members, advocating for critically important policies before year-end, including relief from Medicare cuts and an extension of telehealth flexibilities. We recognize that our members' ability to provide high-quality care depends on timely congressional action, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for both clinicians and patients."

Short-term disruptions to clinicians, patients and many federally-funded activities are possible as lawmakers seek a legislative path forward that will pass both chambers of Congress.

The ACC will continue to press policymakers to address the urgent need for action on key issues, including Medicare cuts to physician reimbursement and the extension of telehealth flexibilities. The ACC Advocacy team will provide updates on implications of any final year-end legislation on cardiovascular clinicians and patients.

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Health Policy, Medicare, Telemedicine