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AOTA News & Advocacy
Action Alerts
Take Action to Protect IDEA
6/27/26 Have you heard about the new executive action that proposes shifting day-to-day management of special education programs from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to the Department of Health and Human Services? Ask your Members of Congress to take action to preserve the vital role of ED in administering the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Here are eight reasons why.
Take Action on Research Funding Changes
6/27/26 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed significant changes to federal research grant funding. Submit personalized comments by July 13 and encourage your organization to do the same - here's how! The proposed regulations are scheduled to take effect October 1, 2026.
Capital Report
When President Trump signed H.R. 1 (commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) into law last summer, it signaled a dramatic shift in how the federal government and state governments partner to support social safety net programs— in particular Medicaid. Established in 1965, Medicaid is a health insurance program that provides coverage for low‑income individuals and is jointly funded by state governments and matching federal funds. H.R. 1 codified into law two major provisions that impact the states: (1) over a period of several years, it reduces states’ ability to draw matching funds to support their Medicaid programs, and (2) it increases the administrative burdens that fall on states to run their Medicaid programs by implementing community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility checks. Read more here!
AOTA advocacy leads to BCBS Michigan coverage of Ayres Sensory Integration® for autism
2/2/26: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is pleased to announce a significant advocacy win for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), clients, and their families in Michigan. Following outreach and engagement by AOTA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) will begin covering Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) for individuals with an autism diagnosis, effective March 1, 2026.
This important policy change expands access to evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) services and reflects the growing recognition of sensory integration's role in supporting meaningful participation and functional progress. Read more here!
Congress extends Medicare telehealth waivers through December 2027
On February 3, Congress approved a legislative package which includes an extension of Medicare waivers that will allow occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to provide services via telehealth through December 31, 2027. These waivers had expired at midnight on Friday, January 30, as they were tied to contentious budget negotiations which resulted in a brief partial government shutdown. Read more here!
Current AOTA Advocacy Issues:
- Behavioral health
- Healthcare reform
- Medicaid advocacy
- Medicaid Part B advocacy
- OTA payment advocacy
- Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
- Post-acute care payment advocacy
- Private insurance advocacy
- Schools and early intervention
- Scope of practice
- Teleheatlh
- Workforce diversity
Support AOTA's advocacy efforts by becoming an AOTA member today!
AOTA Annual Conference
Save the Date! Join AOTA in Anaheim, CA for AOTA INSPIRE | 2026 Annual Conference & Expo! April 23–25, 2026
Registration & housing open October 29, 2025. Mark your calendars now — you won’t want to miss this gathering of the OT community! Find more here!
Other AOTA events
ABOUT OTACOTAC is the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado. It is a non-profit organization that strives to increase the quality of care and level of professionalism to the practice of OT in Colorado. The Occupational Therapy Association is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users. We are actively working to improve the user experience and comply with accessibility standards. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, please email us. We strive to address all concerns promptly. Have a feedback or need more help? Email: info@otacco.org |
