Why It Matters
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is conducting lobbying activities related to colorectal cancer screening access, prior authorization protocols, Medicare physician reimbursement, and federal research funding. Congressional attention to these issues includes the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act, which proposes awareness campaigns, and the Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025, which mandates physician involvement in prior authorization decisions. These efforts occur alongside the American College of Gastroenterology and the Digestive Disease National Coalition.
By the Numbers
The AGA reported lobbying expenditures at $80,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025. Since 2003, the organization has filed 173 disclosures totaling $10.8 million. The association primarily utilizes an in-house team responsible for 77 disclosures and $6.1 million in spending.
Historically, the organization also engaged Hart Health Strategies Inc., which accounted for $3.8 million across 77 filings. The fourth quarter filing indicates the association continues to rely on direct advocacy rather than external firm engagement.
The Agenda
The AGA agenda includes advocating for increased National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for digestive disease research and the advancement of colorectal cancer screening initiatives. The organization also supports prior authorization reform to modify current care approval processes. Other priorities involve Medicare physician payment adjustments, step therapy reform, and the expansion of medical nutrition therapy coverage under the Medicare program.
Broader Context
Legislative interest in screening initiatives follows data showing colorectal cancer diagnoses in adults aged 45 to 49 increased 50 percent between 2021 and 2022. Researchers attribute this sharp rise to increased screening uptake following the 2021 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guideline change, which lowered the recommended starting age from 50 to 45.
Regarding physician reimbursement, Congress implemented a 3.3 percent Medicare conversion factor increase for 2026. While NIH funding for digestive disease research through the NIDDK saw a 6.9 million dollar reduction, though Congress ultimately increased NIH funding to $48.7 billion for FY2026. in 2025, the total NIH budget was set at $48.7 billion dollars for fiscal year 2026.
Between The Lines
The focus on prior authorization reform coincides with data showing Medicare Advantage insurers processed nearly 53 million determinations in 2024. The Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act and the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act are both sponsored by members of Congress who are physicians.
Additionally, the Senate HELP Committee has conducted hearings regarding NIH reforms. These proceedings take place as Senators Boozman, Durbin, and Hickenlooper have advocated for the maintenance of medical research funding levels.
Competitive Landscape
The AGA shares several policy objectives with the American College of Gastroenterology and the Digestive Disease National Coalition. These organizations lobby on similar issues involving research funding and screening access. This coordination allows for a multi-organizational approach to gastroenterology-related legislation on Capitol Hill.
The Bottom Line
The AGA’s $80,000 expenditure in the fourth quarter of 2025 occurs during active congressional debate on physician-led prior authorization and colorectal cancer screening. By maintaining an in-house advocacy model and coordinating with gastrointestinal health coalitions, the association is engaging with legislative measures that address the 50 percent increase in early-onset cancer diagnoses. These efforts also target the $48.7 billion fiscal year 2026 NIH budget.
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