Medical Groups Navigate Shifting US Health Policy Landscape in 2026

Medical Groups Navigate Shifting US Health Policy Landscape in 2026

March 6, 2026 Ananya Mittal - World Editor News

The landscape of U.S. Health policy is undergoing significant shifts, prompting professional medical organizations to reassess and intensify their advocacy efforts. Recent changes, ranging from adjustments to vaccine schedules and insurance subsidies to cuts in federal research grants, have spurred groups like the American College of Physicians (ACP), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to double down on lobbying and strategic engagement with policymakers.

Navigating a Shifting Policy Terrain

Over the past year, the Trump administration has initiated several health-related initiatives, including efforts to improve nutrition and address chronic diseases in youth. However, decisions like reducing the number of recommended vaccines for children, allowing health insurance subsidies to expire, implementing Medicaid cuts through H.R. 1 (dubbed the “One Substantial Beautiful Bill”), and substantial reductions in federal research funding have drawn criticism from medical organizations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) even filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) alleging that the cancellation of nearly $12 million in grants was retaliatory after the AAP voiced opposition to changes in vaccine policies. A federal court subsequently ordered HHS to restore the grants, which support initiatives related to infant mortality, developmental disabilities, pediatric care in rural communities, and substance use/mental health support for teens.

ACP: A Focused Advocacy Approach

Shari M. Erickson, MPH, chief advocacy officer and senior vice president of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy at ACP, explained that the organization is streamlining its lobbying priorities. Traditionally, ACP would focus on nine or ten areas annually, but this year, they are concentrating on four key issues: vaccine access, patient affordability and healthcare access, strengthening the internal medicine workforce, and improving payment for internal medicine physicians. This shift reflects a response to the rapid pace of change and the require for a more focused approach.

The changes to federal vaccine policies, including a complete overhaul of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), reductions in the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule, and altered recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, have been particularly concerning for ACP. ACP has joined AAP in a lawsuit challenging these changes, initially focusing on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations but expanding to encompass broader alterations to the vaccine schedule and the composition of ACIP. The organization is likewise supporting legislation to codify ACIP and ensure continued coverage of previously recommended vaccines by both public and private health plans. You can find more information about the lawsuit here.

Addressing patient affordability, ACP is advocating for solutions to rising health insurance premiums and seeking permanent extensions of telehealth flexibilities, some of which were recently reinstated through a bipartisan spending package as reported by Healio. To bolster the physician workforce, ACP is opposing changes to student loan repayment programs outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill, which could limit federal student loan amounts and potentially discourage individuals from pursuing medical education, particularly those from underserved areas. The organization is also challenging a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, which could hinder the recruitment of international medical graduates.

Regarding physician payment, ACP is advocating for studies to assess the accuracy of coding for chronic care management and transitional care management services, with the goal of ensuring appropriate reimbursement for internal medicine physicians. They also support maintaining a 2.5% payment fix and increasing the budget neutrality threshold for Medicare.

AOA: Consistent Leadership and Engagement

Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D.FACN, president of the AOA, emphasized the organization’s commitment to maintaining consistent engagement with policymakers. The AOA will continue to advocate for its established priorities, including Medicare funding, telehealth access, and physician safety and payment. Piccinini highlighted the importance of building and maintaining trusting relationships across administrations, emphasizing that the AOA’s arguments are grounded in science, data, and patient experiences. The AOA is also actively working to address workforce shortages and improve access to care, particularly in rural areas.

ACOG: Protecting Maternal Health and Evidence-Based Care

Rachel Tetlow, vice president of government and political affairs at ACOG, underscored the organization’s dedication to providing evidence-based information and advocating for policies that support women’s health. ACOG is responding to the changing policy landscape by working to mitigate the negative effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill, particularly as it relates to Medicaid coverage and access to care for pregnant and postpartum patients. The organization is also actively involved in addressing the rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S.

ACOG recently withdrew as a liaison organization to ACIP in response to concerns about the committee’s scientific integrity and evidence-based approach. Tetlow explained that ACOG will continue to provide and endorse immunization recommendations based on the best available evidence, collaborating with other medical societies and research institutions. ACOG is also advocating for policies that improve Medicare reimbursement and support maternal health initiatives.

The current political climate presents challenges for medical organizations, but ACP, AOA, and ACOG are adapting their strategies to ensure that the voices of physicians and their patients are heard. These organizations recognize the importance of proactive engagement, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to evidence-based advocacy in navigating the evolving landscape of U.S. Health policy.

For more information:

  • Rachel Tetlow can be reached at [email protected].
  • Shari M. Erickson, MPH, can be reached through Jacqulyn Blaser, ACP senior public relations associate, at [email protected].
  • Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D.FACN, can be reached through Ernst Lamothe, AOA public relations, media relations and social media director, at [email protected].