Published on March 18, 2025
The Latest in ASTCT Advocacy: March 2025
by ASTCT Advocacy Update
ASTCT Weighs in on Medicare Cuts in Funding Bill
ASTCT has reached out to House staff, urging them to advocate for adjustments to the language in the continuing resolution (CR) that could lead to Medicare cuts.
These cuts threaten access to life-saving treatments for immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies, many of whom rely on specialized transplant and cell therapy centers after being referred from smaller hospitals. Without proper funding, patients may struggle to receive both initial and follow-up care close to home, putting their outcomes at risk.
ASTCT continues to advocate for policies that protect patient access to life-saving therapies. We will provide updates as discussions progress and encourage our members to remain engaged in this critical issue.
Take Action: Support ASTCT’s Letter to Congress on NIH Funding
ASTCT has sent a letter to congressional leaders asking for their support in maintaining National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
We urge you to take action. Click below to send a communication to your state leaders telling them that you do not support the proposed budget cuts to NIH.
ASTCT remains steadfast in our mission to strongly advocate for policies that support bone marrow and stem cell transplant and cellular therapy research and patient access. We continue to support efforts that drive science and bring powerful, curative medical therapies to all patients in need.
Take Action
ASTCT Supports the Reintroduction of Two Critically Important Bills
ASTCT continues to support the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act and the Alleviating Barriers to Caregivers Act as they are being introduced in the 119th Congress. ASTCT previously spoke on the Hill in support of both bills in 2024. We encourage you to learn more about these important pieces of legislation as they make their way through Congress.
Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act Reintroduced
The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act was reintroduced in Congress this February. We are optimistic that this bill will continue to generate wide support as it did in the 118th Congress. There are currently 29 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate and 27 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and counting.
This bill streamlines the Medicaid provider enrollment process, ensuring that children with complex medical conditions can receive the specialized care they need across state lines without unnecessary delays.
ASTCT signed onto a community support letter spearheaded by the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS), Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) and the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). The letter is being sent to Senate leadership to garner further support of the legislation.
We encourage ASTCT members to engage their lawmakers in support of this bill.
Alleviating Barriers to Caregivers Act Gains Support
ASTCT is monitoring the reintroduction of the Alleviating Barriers to Care Act in the 119th Congress and will continue our advocacy efforts once the bill text is available
This legislation is aimed at reducing administrative burdens on family caregivers, ensuring patients receive necessary caregiver support for successful treatment outcomes.
We will continue to monitor the bill’s progress and we encourage you to urge lawmakers to become co-sponsors once the bill is reintroduced.
Updated CAR-T Therapy Coding and Billing Guide
ASTCT’s Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) Therapy Coding and Billing Guide was updated in January 2025 to reflect the latest information for providers. This essential resource helps hospitals and providers navigate appropriate coding and billing for both inpatient and outpatient CAR-T therapy, covering FDA-approved products, clinical trial considerations, and key differences between government and private payers.
View the Updated Guide
New HSCT Transplant Coding and Billing Guide Coming Soon
ASTCT is finalizing the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) Coding and Billing Guide to help providers navigate accurate billing and reimbursement for HSCT procedures.
This essential resource will provide guidance on coding updates for HSCT services and best practices to streamline the billing process.
Stay tuned for its release and visit ASTCT’s HCT Coding and Billing Resources page for existing tools and updates.
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