November Advocate Monthly Update
Government Shutdown and Policy Environment
After over 40 days, the longest Government shutdown in history has ended after eight Senate Democrats struck an agreement with Republicans and broke with their party with a vote agree to reopen the government. The agreement does not include the extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies that Democrats staked their shutdown fight on, but the Democrats who crossed the aisle did reportedly get a pledge for a separate vote on the healthcare tax credits in December. The plan became become law on November 12, after it passed the House and was signed by President Trump.
The deal included three full-year appropriations bills (none of which touch METAvivor spending priorities) along with a continuing resolution to fund the rest of the government at existing spending levels through Jan. 30. It also fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through next September, guarantees back pay for the 1.4 million federal employees who have gone without pay for the last six weeks, and reverses the Reduction in Force Layoffs that Trump attempted during the shutdown and prevents further cuts until the end of January.
Debate continues over extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. The extension of these tax credits, which help make comprehensive insurance coverage more affordable and accessible has implications for MBC patients. If the tax credits are not extended, on average, premiums for ACA plans are expected to more than double.
We are monitoring the timing of a vote on the ACA tax credits and will continue to join with our coalition partners in advocacy for vital FY 2026 appropriations.
Legislative Engagement
Despite challenges in Washington, we continue to see slow but steady growth in co-sponsorship of METAvivor’s priority legislation:
- The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 2048) which would eliminate waiting periods for SSDI and Medicare eligibility now has 176 co-sponsors up from 157 last month (136 Dems, 40 Republicans)
- The Cancer Drug Parity Act (H.R. 4101) which would ensure equitable coverage and out-of-pocket costs for oral cancer therapies is at 24 co-sponsors, up from 18 last month (4 Republicans and 20 Dems).
Looking Ahead
The METAvivor Advocacy team will continue to monitor federal funding negotiations, advocate for stable support for cancer research and patient access programs, work on the reintroduction of both bills in the Senate, and prepare for upcoming opportunities to engage with policymakers. We are excited to begin laying the groundwork for Groundswell, METAvivor’s virtual advocacy event that will take place in late February and early March – stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved!
Sincerely,
The METAvivor Advocacy Team