Advocacy Resources

Advocacy Aimed at Improving Access and Outcomes in Cancer Care: To address policies and practices that affect patient care and access, each participating oncology state society leads a policy and advocacy program focused on legislation and regulations impacting cancer care. The program has expanded its reach by collaborating with local and national organizations and state lobbyists to prioritize key legislative issues.

The policy program has helped establish a policy communication and learning infrastructure in 15 participating states with over 130 engaged multidisciplinary providers across the US, demonstrating the collective power available to drive meaningful change. By collaborating to address key policy issues, members can have a tangible impact on improving patient care and quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

To learn more about your state’s policy committee, email Lu Anne Bankert at lbankert@accc-cancer.org.

Session Overview
The 2026 Iowa legislative session was one of the most consequential healthcare sessions in recent years, driven by bipartisan efforts to modernize prior authorization, improve insurer accountability, and respond to emerging technologies influencing healthcare delivery. While relatively few oncology-specific bills were introduced, lawmakers approved sweeping reforms that directly affect oncology providers and cancer patients by improving utilization management processes and strengthening physician oversight of medical necessity determinations.

For oncology practices, House File 2635 represents the session’s most significant legislative achievement. The legislation establishes new standards governing prior authorization, enhances transparency for providers and patients, and places important limits on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in utilization review.

Beyond prior authorization reform, lawmakers continued discussions surrounding Medicaid, prescription drug affordability, and healthcare access. Although several broader healthcare proposals remain unfinished, Iowa’s actions during the 2026 session position the state as a national leader in insurance reform and patient protections.

What Passed

• Prior Authorization Reform (House File 2635): House File 2635 represents one of the most comprehensive prior authorization reforms enacted anywhere in the country during 2026.
  
  The legislation strengthens oversight of utilization management by establishing new requirements governing insurer review processes, improving communication with providers, and increasing transparency surrounding prior authorization decisions. The law also includes important protections related to the use of AI and automated decision-support tools during medical necessity determinations.
  
  For oncology providers, these reforms are particularly significant. Cancer treatment frequently requires timely approval for chemotherapy, imaging, molecular testing, supportive care, and other medically necessary services. By improving the prior authorization process and reinforcing the importance of physician oversight, House File 2635 should help reduce unnecessary delays while improving consistency and accountability throughout utilization review.
  
  The legislation also establishes clear expectations that automated tools cannot independently determine medical necessity and reinforces that licensed physicians remain responsible for clinical decision-making. Iowa joins a small but growing number of states establishing guardrails around AI in utilization management, an issue that has become a major advocacy priority for physician organizations nationwide.

Why It Matters for Oncology Practices
House File 2635 should improve prior authorization processes by increasing transparency, strengthening physician oversight, and ensuring that medical necessity decisions remain grounded in individualized clinical judgment rather than automated systems. For oncology providers, these reforms have the potential to reduce administrative burden, improve communication with health plans, and help patients access timely cancer treatment.

In passing this legislation, Iowa has also established clear expectations that technology should support clinical decision-making, not replace it. This approach aligns closely with national advocacy efforts led by physician organizations seeking to preserve the physician-patient relationship while embracing responsible innovation.

Looking ahead to the 2027 legislative session, we expect there to be opportunities to monitor both the implementation of recently enacted prior authorization and issues surrounding the 2025 pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) legislation. Discussions among key advocacy stakeholders will continue to focus on improving timely access to evidence-based cancer care, strengthening patient protections, and reducing barriers that delay treatment.

Stay informed on recent federal policy changes impacting oncology care, including Medicare telehealth extensions, expanded cancer screening coverage, and increased investment in cancer research. These updates highlight important opportunities to support patient access and strengthen care delivery, underscoring the value of ongoing advocacy engagement.

Guide to Getting Started in State-Level Oncology Advocacy

Interested in shaping cancer care policy in your state but not sure where to begin? Download our resource guide created for oncology professionals looking to make an impact. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to get more involved, this tool kit provides step-by-step instructions and resources to help you take the next step. Learn about key legislative issues going on in your state, such as prior authorization reform, PBM reform, co-pay accumulator protections, biomarker testing access, and white bagging, and more—and how they affect cancer care delivery. This guide outlines practical tips on how to connect with your state society, share your story with local legislators, track state bills, and get involved in Hill Days. Download the guide and start advocating for better cancer care today. Contact your Executive Director for more information!

2025 Policy Town Hall
In June 2025, multidisciplinary health care professionals, policy experts, and leaders from oncology state societies convened for the second annual Policy Town Hall to examine how state-level advocacy is shaping the future of cancer care within a complex policy landscape.

This year's discussion highlighted legislative progress and emerging challenges across the country. Topics included:

• Advancing pharmacy benefit manager reform and prior authorization oversight
• Expanding access to biomarker testing
• Protecting Medicaid coverage amid policy shifts
• Amplifying patient and clinician voices in advocacy
• Building effective coalitions and leveraging local lobbyists

Gain key insights on how oncology state societies are driving meaningful policy change and shaping equitable, patient-centered cancer care.

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Engaging in advocacy through our state societies is one of the most direct ways we can have a voice in healthcare policies impacting the care of our patients.

- Haley M. Simpson, MD, PhD
Policy Committee

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