APA Federal Advocacy and Policy Update

Week of Dec 1, 2025

Federal Advocacy & Policy Update: Key Highlights From APA Services

Congress continues to negotiate Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations, with Republican chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees announcing agreement on a framework for five of twelve federal funding bills. Notably, these do not include the largest and most politically sensitive areas—Labor-HHS, Defense, and other major health programs. 

Lawmakers remain concerned about the fast-approaching January 30, 2026 deadline, when current stopgap funding expires. Democratic votes will be required to advance any final package, and negotiations remain tense as Congress continues to grapple with disagreements tied to expiring health insurance subsidies, the issue that triggered the last shutdown.

APA Services will soon share opportunities for psychologists to engage in federal advocacy as the process unfolds, stay tuned to e-news and email for opportunities to engage in this! 

Medicare & Telehealth Guidance Update

On November 14, 2025, CMS released updated guidance clarifying the status of Medicare telehealth claims, incorporating new provisions from Congress’ reinstatement of certain telehealth flexibilities following the government shutdown, as well as policies in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule.  Psychologists are encouraged to review the latest Practice Update newsletter for details (free subscription available) and can read the article with more details here. 

Act Now: Urge Congress to Pass Bipartisan Appropriations by January 30th

Please take two minutes today to urge your U.S. Senators and Representatives to work together to pass bipartisan appropriations bills that protect critical investments in psychology education, research, and behavioral health services by January 30, 2026.

These programs are essential to meeting the growing mental health needs of individuals and families nationwide. Failure to provide adequate funding would fall hardest on vulnerable communities, including people with disabilities, veterans and rural communities.

Additionally, it is crucial that Congress hears constituents on the need to assert its oversight responsibilities. The funding allocated by Congress must be appropriately disbursed to programs and departments as outlined in funding bills. For example, recent actions by the administration to withhold funds and dismantle the Department of Education without congressional approval set a dangerous precedent that could extend beyond the Department of Education and threaten the stability of other departments. As funding negotiations advance, Congress must exercise its constitutional authority to prevent such unilateral decisions Protecting this authority is essential to preserving accountability and ensuring that funding decisions reflects the will of the people – not unchecked executive choices.

Your action matters to prevent disruptions to programs that train the behavioral health workforce, advance scientific research, and provide equitable access to care and education. Congress faces a deadline of January 30 to finalize funding. Urge your Senators and Representative today to work across party lines and pass bipartisan appropriations bills that fully fund programs key to psychology.

Every message counts - act now to protect these critical programs.

Welcome New CPA Members!

The Colorado Psychological Association would like to recognize and welcome the following new members who joined CPA in August and September!

August –

• Keighlynn Adlof

• William Allen

• Olivia Chen

• Eileen Cullen

• Gabriel Kass

• Brett Marroquin

• Stephanie Pinch Cowles

• Jenna Preston

• Amanda Raitano

• Megan Rinderer

• Megan Smiley

September –

• Monica Abdul-Chani

• Anastasio Betance

• Jeremy Henderson

• Kennedy McCarver

• Gordon Priedeman

• Rachael St. Claire 

Register Now for the 2025 Fall Symposium

Are you ready to deepen your expertise in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Join us as we explore the complexities of OCD through the lens of trauma, treatment-resistant anxiety, and interventions—while advancing your knowledge, skills, and professional development in this critical area of mental health. The CPA’s 2025 Fall Symposium is anticipating offering 5.5 Continuing Education credits, featuring sessions led by renowned experts in clinical practice and research.

Friday, November 7 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
In-Person or Hybrid | Assistance League of Denver

Join or Renew & Save Today!
Now’s the perfect time to join or renew your CPA membership and save! Get $50 off membership and unlock exclusive member pricing for the 2025 Fall Symposium.

Student Offer: Join or renew your CPA student membership and attend the symposium for just $58 — that’s a total savings of $33! 

Use code FALL2025 at checkout.

REGISTER TODAY!