Two hundred neurologists will urge US lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to maintain brain research funding and protect patient access to care.
The American Academy of Neurology is holding its 24th annual “Neurology on the Hill” event from 22 to 24 February 2026, with delegates from 47 states set to press politicians on three issues: research funding, telehealth and Medicare payment cuts.
They are calling for continued federal backing for neuroscience research, including the National Institutes of Health Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative, which funds studies into how the brain works. Previous research has led to treatments such as clot-dissolving medication for stroke and deep brain stimulation, a technique that uses electrical impulses to manage symptoms of movement disorders.
AAN president Natalia S. Rost said: “One in two people in the United States is affected by a neurological disease or disorder. Continued investment in research is crucial to advance our understanding of the brain. By funding neuroscience research, we ensure the development of future cures and that everyone has a chance for a lifetime of optimal brain health.”
Delegates will also press for permanent telehealth flexibilities. A full government shutdown on 1 October 2025 and a partial shutdown on 31 January 2026 meant people with Medicare coverage lost access to telehealth services for a total of 47 days, disrupting care for those managing serious neurological conditions remotely.
Bruce H. Cohen, chair of the AAN advocacy committee, said: “Telehealth provides people with mobility challenges, chronic conditions, and those living in underserved or remote areas with access to care. Without permanent telehealth extensions, access to care remains subject to disruptions. Telehealth flexibilities will expire in 2028, which will again place people at risk of a sudden and preventable lapse in care.”
The third issue is ongoing Medicare payment cuts, which the academy says can contribute to longer waiting times and fewer care options for people with neurological conditions. It is calling on Congress to stabilise payments and protect patient access.
