Congressional leaders released text on December 18 for year-end legislation that represents a mixed bag for radiation oncology. The deal includes a 2.5% "doc fix" increase to offset Medicare cuts in 2025 but fails to include bipartisan prior authorization reform legislation. Government funding, including cancer research funds, would be continued at current levels until March 14, which effectively continues cuts to agencies like the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The House and Senate are expected to vote on the legislation before the existing government spending deadline of December 20.

While ASTRO appreciates physician payment relief, more action is needed to stabilize the Medicare physician fee schedule and to reform radiation oncology payments through the Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value-Based Program (ROCR) Act, which will be reintroduced in the new Congress. ASTRO is very disappointed that Congress failed to pass the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, which boasts large bipartisan support in the House and Senate, and secure increases for the NCI. ASTRO will continue to provide updates on the year-end legislation.