Why It Matters

The American College of Emergency Physicians is pressing Congress on several issues that directly affect emergency department operations and physician reimbursement. ACEP's second-quarter lobbying agenda reflects ongoing debates over Medicaid policy, insurance company practices and access to emergency care.

The organization is strongly opposed to Medicaid changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing that stricter eligibility requirements and work requirements would increase pressure on already strained emergency departments. ACEP is also supporting stronger enforcement against insurers and advocating legislation to address patient boarding in emergency departments.

By the Numbers

ACEP reported $498,299 in lobbying expenditures for the second quarter, continuing a consistent level of advocacy spending over the past year. The organization reported spending $408,597 in the third quarter of 2025, $501,071 in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $468,727 in the first quarter.

All lobbying activity was conducted through ACEP's in-house lobbying team, which includes five registered lobbyists: Jeanne Slade, senior director of political affairs and advocacy; Fred Essis, director of federal government advocacy; Laura Wooster, associate executive director for advocacy and practice affairs; Ryan McBride, congressional affairs director; and Hanna Ahmaripour, congressional lobbyist.

McBride previously worked for former Reps. Jon Porter (R-NV) and Joe Heck (R-NV). Ahmaripour previously interned in the office of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

The Agenda

ACEP's legislative priorities span physician payment policy, insurance regulation and emergency department operations.

The organization supports the No Surprises Enforcement Act, which would penalize insurers that fail to pay providers within 30 days after an independent dispute resolution decision. ACEP cited instances where Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare threatened emergency physicians with reimbursement cuts of 20% to 40% in North Carolina while exploiting provisions of the No Surprises Act.

ACEP is also urging lawmakers to cosponsor the Addressing Boarding and Crowding in the Emergency Department Act, legislation the organization helped develop on a bipartisan basis that has been introduced in the House, with Senate legislation expected to follow.

In addition, ACEP is advocating for the Physician and Patient Safety Act, which it says would ensure emergency physicians receive the same due process protections as other medical specialists.

The Bottom Line

The American College of Emergency Physicians reported $498,299 in lobbying expenditures for the second quarter as it continued pressing Congress on Medicaid policy, insurance regulation and emergency department operations.

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