Health Policy Report – September 10, 2026

Dr. Mark Fleming Participates in Roundtable with Dr. Oz, CMS Administrator

On August 28, Dr. Mark Fleming of Virginia Oncology Associates participated in a healthcare roundtable hosted by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and featuring Dr. Mehmet Oz. During the discussion, Dr. Fleming shared perspectives on cancer care delivery, patient access, and the importance of reducing barriers to treatment for seniors and individuals with cancer.

He also highlighted H.R. 2484, the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act, which would reinstate Medicare beneficiaries’ ability to receive physician-dispensed medications through options such as caregiver pickup and mail or courier delivery from physician practices. Dr. Fleming emphasized that the legislation could improve treatment adherence, reduce unnecessary travel burdens, and help ensure that cancer patients and other vulnerable populations receive critical medications in a timely and convenient manner.

The roundtable provided an opportunity for healthcare providers, patient advocates, and policymakers to discuss solutions that strengthen access to high-quality care and improve patient outcomes.

Wyoming Liberty Group Pens Op-Ed in Support of H.R. 4299

The Wyoming Liberty Group, an influential conservative think tank in Wyoming, recently published an op-ed in support of the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act (H.R. 4299) in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

In the op-ed, David Flemming, senior policy analyst with the Wyoming Liberty Group, noted how upcoming changes to Medicare Part B drug reimbursement will threaten the state’s remaining independent medical practices and fuel healthcare consolidation.

“This reduction in payment for specialty drugs is yet another challenge that may push independent practices to the brink, forcing them to close or merge with a larger hospital system. This will only increase healthcare consolidation in Wyoming, which already ranks third highest of 50 states in hospital monopoly power. For patients, this means fewer local options for care and higher out-of-pocket costs,” he wrote.

Flemming urged lawmakers to advance H.R. 4299, which would restore adequate reimbursement for select Medicare Part B drugs. He described the legislation as an “important first step in a larger effort to address the challenges facing our healthcare system and stem the tide of consolidation.”

The Wyoming Liberty Group’s support is particularly influential given Senator John Barrasso’s longstanding focus on ensuring sustainable reimbursement for Medicare Part B drugs. The op-ed adds an influential voice to the growing call for Congress to advance H.R. 4299 this year.

To read the op-ed, CLICK HERE.

Texas Oncology Meets with State Representative Tom Oliverson, M.D.

On August 24, Dr. Anna Belcheva and Dr. Andrew Jackson met with Texas State Representative Tom Oliverson, M.D. to discuss the value of community oncology for patients across Texas.

As a practicing anesthesiologist and member of the Texas House Select Committee on Healthcare Affordability, State Representative Oliverson has focused heavily on healthcare policy, working on legislation related to price transparency, surprise billing, and healthcare affordability.

During the discussion, Drs. Belcheva and Jackson highlighted the need to ensure greater transparency in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and a level playing field for independent community oncology practices.

If your practice is interested in hosting a site visit, please contact Angela Storseth at angela.storseth@usoncology.com.

State Senator Kevin Sparks Visits Texas Oncology – Midland

State Senator Kevin Sparks recently joined local physicians and community leaders for a networking event hosted at Texas Oncology–Midland Allison Cancer Center in partnership with the Midland Chamber of Commerce.

The event provided an opportunity for Senator Sparks to hear directly from physicians about the importance of maintaining access to high-quality cancer care close to home. During the event, Texas Oncology physicians, including Dr. Thinh Phan, Dr. Nandi J. Reddy, Dr. Phillip Chae, Dr. Srikala Meda, Dr. Maurizio Ghisoli, and Dr. Chandrakala Dadeboyina provided a tour and discussed opportunities to strengthen cancer care across the region.

Texas Oncology highlighted its 31-year history of comprehensive cancer services across West Texas, including screenings, radiation therapy, clinical trials, and research. During the event, the practice also discussed how they are investing in the region’s future community oncology workforce by mentoring and training internal medicine residents, fostering fellowship opportunities, and helping train future specialists for the region.

The Network Submits Comment Letter in Response to OPPS Proposed Rule for CY 2027

On August 31, The Network submitted comments on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) CY 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule. In its comment letter, The Network urged the agency to advance policies that preserve independent community oncology, promote fair reimbursement across sites of care, and reduce payment distortions that contribute to provider consolidation and higher healthcare costs.

To read the letter, CLICK HERE.

White House Set to Unveil Next Round of Drug Pricing Deals

On August 31, the Trump administration announced most favored nation (MFN) drug pricing deals with nine new pharmaceutical companies.

The agreements will reduce prices for certain drugs under Medicaid, with rates determined by net drug prices paid by eight high-income foreign countries. In exchange, the pharmaceutical companies may secure future tariff relief and exemptions from Medicare pilot discount programs.

This brings the total number of drug companies adhering to MFN policy to 26, making up about 89% of the brand drug market.

To read more, CLICK HERE.

Courts Reject Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Lawsuits Against IRA

Courts in Maryland and Washington D.C. struck down lawsuits from pharmaceutical manufacturers against the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) implementation of the Medicare drug price negotiation program, as directed by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Washington, D.C., rejected Merck & Co.’s claim that IRA price negotiations violated the First and Fifth Amendments. A federal court in Maryland dismissed an AstraZeneca lawsuit, which alleged that the government grouped too many of its drugs together to be eligible for the program.

These lawsuits add to a series of court rejections and dismissals of pharmaceutical companies challenging price negotiation rules since the IRA’s introduction in 2022.

To read more, CLICK HERE.