The House of Representatives returned from their August recess after Labor Day and immediately got to work in passing the Senate’s Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through December 11, 2026. Despite the House’s steady work on fiscal year FY27 appropriations bills over the summer, the Senate’s lack of progress prompted both sides to take up a CR. Extending government funding at FY26 levels—the fiscal year ends September 30 each year—enables members of Congress to return to the midterm campaign trail without the distraction of a government shutdown.
HHS Seeks Feedback on Childhood Vaccine Schedule
In late August, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) released an RFI, Categories Used in Federal Vaccine Recommendations and the Role of Shared Decision-Making, seeking input on the categories within the current childhood vaccine schedule.
The RFI specifically seeks comments on whether categories beyond the existing categories, “Routine,” “Risk-Based,” and “Shared Decision-Making". The RFI asks whether HHS should add categories such as “Recommended, But Not During Infancy,” “Recommended With Qualification,” and “Shared Clinical Decision-Making With Qualification."
HHS will accept comments through September 20, 2026. Your perspective is important to this discussion.
Tell Congress to Protect the Federal Grant Process
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently released a proposed rule, "Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance", that would change how federal agencies review and oversee grant awards. OMB’s proposal would specifically revise the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) — the federal government framework for administering grants — to a binding rule that gives political appointees more authority in grantmaking decisions. Of specific concern to the health and science communities is OMB’s proposal to limit peer review's role in funding, give political appointees more authority in reviewing and terminating existing grants, limit international collaboration, and restrict conference travel and journal fees with grant funds.
This proposal, if implemented, would have profound effects on NIH grantmaking, implementation, and oversight, which would undermine the stability, rigor, scientific integrity of research in the United States and beyond. Read more on the specifics of this proposal.
How to Respond: Contact Your Cogressional Representatives
While the OMB is no longer accepting comments on its proposal, members of Congress can determine whether to fund implementation of a rule once finalized. Communicating concerns with the OMB’s Uniform Guidance proposal to Congress is now critical.
Use ASTCT’s constituent letter to contact your members of Congress about this issue. You can send the letter as drafted or customize it to illustrate how this proposal would specifically affect your work and your patients.
Take Action
ASTCT Responds to CMS’ Proposed AuSCT Coverage Expansion for MM
ASTCT’s response to CMS National Coverage Analysis for its Autologous Stem Cell Transplant National Coverage Decision (NCD) is now available. ASTCT wishes to thank all ASTCT members who completed the survey the Payer Relations Committee circulated last month to help guide ASTCT’s response to this NCA.
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Medicare FY27 IPPS, CY27 OPPS and MPFS Webinar Recording Now Available
The recording of ASTCT’s Medicare Rules Round-up Webinar is now available on demand. Hear from ASTCT Director of Government Relations Molly Ford and reimbursement and policy advisors from Nimitt Consulting for an overview of the FY27 IPPS final rule and CY27 OPPS and MPFS proposed rules, including key Medicare payment and policy updates impacting stem cell transplantation, CAR-T and other immunotherapies.
Access the Recording
IPPS Final Rule Now Available
CMS has issued its final Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) rule for fiscal year 2027. Learn more about the final rule in ASTCT’s August 19 webinar. ASTCT’s IPPS letter with CMS’ responses is now available on ASTCT’s Advocacy page.
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ASTCT Responds to Proposed CY27 OPPS Rule
ASTCT’s response to CMS’ proposed CY27 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) is now available. Learn more about CMS’ proposed OPPS for CY27 in ASTCT’s August 19 webinar on CMS’ 2027 payment rules.
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ASTCT Responsds to Proposed CY27 MPFS Rule
ASTCT’s response to CMS’ proposed CY27 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) is now available. Learn more about CMS’ proposed OPPS for CY27 in ASTCT’s August 19 webinar on CMS’ 2027 payment rules.
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Learn more about ASTCT Payer and Government Relations activities, and how you can get involved, on ASTCT’s Advocacy webpage or contact Molly Ford, ASTCT’s Director of Government and Payer Relations.