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Read the Academy's bi-weekly update on legislative and regulatory advocacy for neurology.

April 6, 2026

Connect with BrainPAC at the Annual Meeting

We’ve got your back on Capitol Hill—and we’re in overdrive advocating for you and your patients. BrainPAC, the only federal political action committee dedicated solely to neurology, will be at the Annual Meeting to share how it drives change for members and their patients. We hope to see you in Chicago! 

Issue in focus

BrainPAC, the AAN’s political action committee, will be at the AAN Annual Meeting in Chicago April 18-22—providing a chance to engage, connect, and strengthen the engine that drives our advocacy year-round. Stop by the BrainPAC booth to learn how your support helps build and sustain relationships with policymakers, advance the Academy’s priorities, and elevate the voice of neurology on Capitol Hill.

This year, BrainPAC will be offering donors a variety of giveaways including hats, crossbody bags, packing cubes, and more! Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just getting involved, we’d love to connect with you.

We also invite you to join us for the BrainPAC High Donor Reception before the Annual Meeting Party on Sunday evening. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with Academy leadership and some of BrainPAC’s most dedicated supporters, all while celebrating the advocacy work that drives meaningful change for your patients and profession. The reception is open to BrainPAC donors who contribute $500 or more in 2026*.

If you’re not a BrainPAC supporter yet, there’s still time to get involved before the meeting. Your participation helps ensure neurology has a strong, unified voice in Washington, DC. We hope to see you in Chicago! 

To learn more about how to support neurology’s voice on Capitol Hill, go to

Latest advocacy news

AAN pushing back on budget proposal that would cut billions from NIH, HHS
The Trump administration released its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027 last week. The budget proposal includes a $5 billion cut in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and an overall cut of $15.8 billion to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This budget proposal represents an initial framework for congressional consideration as deliberations continue on 2027 funding levels across government agencies. The AAN is committed to advocating for robust funding for neuroscience research and for other programs across the federal government that support neurological care and access. We will continue our work with Congress to push back against the proposed cuts, noting that our advocacy was integral to efforts that blocked implementation of proposed cuts for FY 2026.

Bill would investigate environmental causes for neurodegenerative disease
The AAN sent a letter late last month thanking Representatives Subramanyam (D-VA) and Bilirakis (R-FL) for reintroducing the HEALTHY BRAINS Act. This bill would establish research programs to investigate environmental causes of neurodegenerative diseases. 

Organizations call for Dr. Lorna Breen Act program funding
The AAN recently joined more than 70 other organizations in support of funds for programs established under the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (Senate/House), a law dedicated to preventing suicide and reducing occupational burnout, mental health conditions, and stress for health care professionals. 

Bill would protect access, address disruptions under Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program 
The AAN sent a letter in support of the introduction of the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act (H.R. 4299), a bill that would strengthen ongoing efforts to lower drug prices and address unintended administrative burdens and revenue cycle disruptions stemming from implementation of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.

Bill would speed up benefits, Medicare coverage for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease patients
The Bridging Relief in Delayed Government Enrollment for Young-onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act (H.R. 6799), a bill that would eliminate the waiting period for disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, also was supported via letter by the AAN. 

AAN responds to RFI on proposed anti-fraud changes
The AAN responded to a Request for Information (RFI) on potential regulatory changes meant to detect and respond to health care fraud and abuse. Our comments discuss strategies the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can leverage to increase transparency and amplify its current efforts, recommendations for billing submissions, and policies for incorporating artificial intelligence.

What we're reading

• What to Expect for Prior Authorization in 2026 |
• White House to propose 20 percent cut to NIH funding |
• UnitedHealthcare launches Avery, a generative AI companion for members |

*Contributions to BrainPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. The maximum amount that an individual can contribute to BrainPAC is $5,000 per year. Contributions from foreign nationals in any amount are prohibited by federal law. All contributions to BrainPAC are voluntary. If this solicitation suggests a contribution in a particular amount, it is only a suggestion. You may give more, less, or nothing at all, and the amount given, or your refusal to give, will not benefit or disadvantage you in any way in your employment. All contributions will be used in connection with federal elections by providing monetary contributions and other support to candidates for federal office. Federal law requires us to use best efforts to collect and report the name, address, occupation, and employer of each individual whose aggregate contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.