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June 9, 2025

Why member advocacy is ‘mission-critical’

We want to make sure you know we have your back. We’re actively responding, relentlessly pushing forward, and ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill. Please keep reading Capitol Hill Report—and tell your colleagues—for a rundown of how your AAN is in overdrive advocating on your behalf. We’re analyzing and monitoring all changes made by Congress and the administration to evaluate any impacts on neurology and the patients we serve. If your practice, research, or patients have been impacted by recent changes at the federal or state level, please let us know by emailing advocacy@aan.com.

Issue in focus

Last week, AAN Board Member José Posas, MD, FAAN, traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in the annual “House Call on the Mall,” where he represented neurology and helped elevate the voice of neurologists on Capitol Hill. During his time in DC, Posas met with key lawmakers and staff, participated in policy briefings, and engaged in strategic BrainPAC events to reinforce the importance of protecting access to quality neurological care.  

Notably, Posas joined a health care policy roundtable, hosted by the GOP Doctors Caucus, where he was able to speak directly to lawmakers about the administrative burden facing neurologists. He also attended a policy briefing with Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he was able to share his personal experience treating patients as a neurologist. Throughout the trip, Posas effectively highlighted the value of neurology, emphasized the need for continued research funding and workforce support, and reinforced the AAN’s priorities to congressional leaders.

“Advocacy is mission-critical to the future of neurology,” Posas said. “If we’re not at the table helping shape the policies that impact our patients and our practices, then decisions will be made without us. Being in DC and speaking directly with lawmakers is one of the most powerful ways we can ensure neurology’s voice is heard and our priorities are advanced.”

Posas’ advocacy efforts demonstrate the significant impact that each AAN member can have on shaping federal policy and advancing the priorities of the neurology community. By actively engaging with lawmakers, sharing personal experiences, and participating in critical discussions, Posas exemplifies the collective power of AAN members to drive meaningful change at the national level. 

Learn how you can get involved with AAN advocacy.

 
Latest advocacy news

AAN joins comments to promote patient access to appropriate epilepsy care
The AAN joined the National Association of Epilepsy Centers in urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to modify a proposal impacting payment for epilepsy with neurostimulator in the inpatient setting. The comments urge CMS to promote patient access to appropriate epilepsy care through assignment to MS-DRG 020.

AAN joins letter supporting investment in advanced Alternate Payment Models 
The AAN joined a letter led by the National Association of ACOs asking Congress to support continued investment in Medicare’s transition to advanced Alternate Payment Models (APMs) that take on accountability for costs and outcomes of their patient populations. 

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