Advocacy in Action – July 2026
HRA Defends Federal Research Funding
Federal research funding remains under intense scrutiny, and HRA recently submitted formal comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance governing federal grants.
The proposal could reshape how federally funded cardiovascular research is administered, with implications for long-term clinical studies, investigator-initiated research, and the development of next-generation therapies.
HRA urged OMB to preserve stable, merit-based funding that allows researchers to pursue lifesaving discoveries without unnecessary administrative barriers or political uncertainty.
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In addition to HRA's organizational comments, members were invited to submit their own perspectives through HRA's Quorum advocacy platform, ensuring that physicians, scientists, allied professionals, and patients all had an opportunity to weigh in before the July 13 deadline.
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Why it Matters:
Many of today's most important advances in electrophysiology—from catheter ablation technologies to implantable devices and sudden cardiac death prevention—were built upon decades of NIH-supported research. Protecting that research ecosystem helps ensure patients continue to benefit from the next generation of lifesaving discoveries.
Louisiana LAAO Coverage Fight Continues
HRA continues to advocate for patients and physicians following Louisiana Blue's decision to restrict commercial coverage for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).
Since the policy was announced, HRA has:
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Coordinated with physicians throughout Louisiana.
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Mobilized grassroots advocacy.
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Engaged congressional offices.
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Worked alongside national partners to highlight concerns about patient access.
Louisiana Blue recently announced revisions to its medical policy that will take effect August 1. HRA is carefully reviewing those changes to determine whether they adequately address concerns raised by physicians and patients.
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Why it Matters: LAAO devices have received FDA approval, CMS coverage, and support in national clinical guidelines for appropriately selected patients. Ensuring that commercial coverage reflects current clinical evidence remains a top advocacy priority.
Prior Authorization Remains a Top Priority
Reducing unnecessary prior authorization delays continues to be one of HRA's highest federal advocacy priorities.
The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 would streamline prior authorization within Medicare Advantage by expanding the use of electronic prior authorization, increasing transparency, and establishing clearer timelines for health plans to respond to requests.
HRA continues to monitor the legislation and work with coalition partners as Congress considers next steps. Throughout the year, HRA has also engaged members through grassroots advocacy campaigns and outreach to congressional offices to highlight the real-world impact that prior authorization delays have on patients with heart rhythm disorders.
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Why it Matters: For patients with cardiac arrhythmias, delays in accessing medically necessary procedures, medications, and devices can postpone treatment and create unnecessary uncertainty. Improving the efficiency and transparency of the prior authorization process remains an important step toward ensuring timely access to evidence-based care while reducing administrative burden on physicians and their care teams.
Planning Underway for HRA's First National Fly-In
Planning continues for HRA's inaugural advocacy fly-in, scheduled for September 27–29 in Washington, DC.
The HRA on the Hill event will bring together physicians, allied professionals, patients, and advocates from across the country for advocacy training followed by meetings with congressional offices.
Participants will discuss issues including:
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Medicare physician payment reform
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Prior authorization reform
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Federal research funding
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Patient access to evidence-based heart rhythm care
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Workforce challenges
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Why it Matters: AI-enabled technologies are expected to play a growing role in cardiac monitoring, diagnostics, and procedural planning. Regulatory decisions made today may shape how clinicians interact with these tools for years to come.
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Get Involved
Interested in participating in the HRA Fly-In or becoming more involved in HRA advocacy efforts? Reach out to Justin Beland, AVP, Advocacy, at jbeland@hrsonline.org to learn more about upcoming opportunities to engage.
What We're Watching in Washington
Medicare Physician Payment
HRA continues to advocate for long-term Medicare physician payment reform that provides predictable annual updates and helps ensure physician practices can continue delivering high-quality care to Medicare beneficiaries.
Remote Monitoring
HRA remains engaged on policies affecting remote monitoring reimbursement and continues working with coalition partners to support appropriate recognition of the physician work and practice resources required to manage patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.
Looking Ahead
Congress continues to consider several issues that will shape the future of cardiovascular care, including physician payment reform, prior authorization, and federal research funding. HRA will continue working with policymakers and coalition partners to ensure the electrophysiology community has a strong voice in these discussions.
Advocacy Spotlight
Over the past several months, HRA has continued expanding its presence on Capitol Hill through meetings with congressional offices, committee staff, federal agencies, and advocacy partners. These conversations are helping elevate the priorities of the electrophysiology community and lay the groundwork for an even stronger advocacy presence during September's HRA on the Hill.
Whether advocating for stable research funding, improving patient access, or advancing meaningful Medicare reforms, HRA remains committed to ensuring that the voices of physicians, allied professionals, researchers, and patients are represented in Washington.