A bipartisan congressional spending bill unveiled includes multiple cardiology-focused provisions, including extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities and the return of in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.
The appropriations package would fund HHS and the Labor and Education departments through fiscal 2026. Lawmakers are aiming to pass the bill ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Among its healthcare provisions, the bill extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities, including audio-only services, through Dec. 31, 2027, and reestablishes in-home cardiopulmonary rehab through Jan. 1, 2028, according to a Jan. 21 news release from the American College of Cardiology. Both policies are legislative priorities for the organization.
The bill also would increase National Institutes of Health funding to $48.716 billion, including $3.99 billion for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. CDC funding would remain flat at $9.202 billion, with $5 million for the Million Hearts initiative and $34.62 million for WISEWOMAN, a program supporting heart health in women.
Additional provisions include reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act through fiscal 2030 and support for maternal health programs backed by the ACC’s cardio-obstetrics section.
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