October Advocate Monthly Update
Government Shutdown and Policy Environment
The federal government shutdown began on October 1 after Congress failed to agree on a budget, largely due to disputes over extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits set to expire in 2025. These credits are essential for many metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients who rely on them to afford coverage. Both the House and Senate continuing resolutions (CRs) failed in early October, prolonging uncertainty around federal health funding for NIH, CDC, and Medicaid.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) also initiated reductions in force (RIFs) across HHS, temporarily impacting CDC staff and programs. Although about half of the 1,300 layoffs were later reversed, the instability underscores potential disruptions to cancer surveillance and public health research critical to MBC data and outcomes.
Stage IV Stampede & Summit 2025
The annual Stage IV Stampede & Summit (October 6–7) was a major success, with 78 congressional meetings and 17 states represented. Advocates met with both House and Senate offices to:
- Urge House Members to cosponsor the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 2048) and the Cancer Drug Parity Act (H.R. 4101).
- Educate Senate staff on both bills, since companion legislation has not yet been introduced.
- Advocate for stronger MBC data collection (SEER registry) and increased research funding through NIH, ARPA-H, and the DoD Breast Cancer Research Program.
Following Hill Day, there has been continued momentum:
- MBC Access to Care Act: 157 House cosponsors
- Cancer Drug Parity Act: 17 House cosponsors
Advocates also engaged with ABC News and Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office to highlight how healthcare funding gaps directly affect patients with MBC.
Legislative Engagement
METAvivor continues collaborating with Rep. Julie Johnson (D-TX) on legislation to reduce the burden of medication pre-authorization for cancer patients—an important step toward faster, more equitable access to treatment.
Looking Ahead
We are closely monitoring congressional negotiations to end the shutdown and restore stable funding for health agencies. The advocacy team remains focused on protecting patient access to care, advancing priority MBC legislation, and preparing for continued engagement with policymakers to keep MBC front and center in federal discussions.
Sincerely,
The METAvivor Advocacy Team