American physical Therapy Association Unveils 2025-26 Public Policy Priorities, Prioritizing Medicare Reform and Patient Access
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 3, 2025 — The American Physical Therapy association (APTA) has announced its new public policy priorities for the 119th Congress and federal agencies, emphasizing the critical role of physical therapy in the U.S. health care system. The APTA Public Policy Priorities 2025-26 outline a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing key issues, with a particular focus on Medicare payment reform and improving patient access to care.
“Fighting for increased Medicare payment and advocating for long-term reforms to the Medicare fee schedule remain top legislative priorities for APTA in the 119th U.S. Congress,” said Skye Donovan, PT, PhD, APTA Vice President and Chair of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.”Updating our policy priorities is key to establishing a framework for where we should spend our human and financial resources.”
The 2025-26 priorities, published in odd-numbered years to align with the start of a new Congressional session, focus on four key areas:
- Patient Access and Care
- Population Health and Social Determinants of Health
- Value-Based Care and Practice
- Research and Clinical Innovation
These priorities reflect the progress made so far and include strategies to address evolving challenges in the health care landscape. Specific directives include reforming the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, reducing administrative burdens, expanding investments in prevention and wellness, and increasing funding for research involving physical therapist services.
“As we embark on a new journey with the 119th Congress and federal agencies together, I encourage all of our members to join us in taking an active role in shaping the policy initiatives our profession faces today,” said Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, APTA President. “Advocacy wins rarely happen overnight; work on an initiative often takes months or even years.”
The APTA’s efforts also aim to position physical therapists as an entry point to care, ensuring their involvement in developing outcome, process, and quality measures. This holistic approach underscores the association’s commitment to leveraging the power of the physical therapy profession to address health care issues impacting all Americans.
| APTA 2025-26 Public Policy Priorities |
|——————————————-|
| Focus Areas |
| Patient Access and Care |
| Population Health and Social Determinants |
| Value-Based Care and Practice |
| Research and clinical Innovation |
| Key Strategies |
| Reforming Medicare Physician Fee Schedule |
| Reducing Administrative Burden |
| Expanding Prevention and Wellness Investments |
| Increasing Research Funding |
The APTA’s advocacy work continues to shape the future of physical therapy, ensuring that the profession remains at the forefront of health care innovation and patient-centered care.for more details on the APTA Public Policy Priorities 2025-26, visit their official website.
