NAPT works collaboratively to educate policymakers and payers on the clinical benefits and long-term value of proton therapy — 1) advancing policies that expand patient access while 2) ensuring fair and sustainable reimbursement.
This work is grounded in clinical evidence, real-world data, and ongoing engagement with federal and state policymakers, payers, and stakeholders.
1. Expanding Patient Access to Proton Therapy
NAPT advocates for policies that ensure patients receive the most clinically appropriate treatment without unnecessary delay or administrative burden.
- Reduce prior authorization barriers that delay time-sensitive cancer care
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Expand payer coverage policies, including those of MA plans, to reflect current clinical evidence
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Ensure equitable access across all patient populations, including veterans
“Given the ongoing challenges with prior authorization, NAPT supports proposed policy changes that bring transparency and more definition to the PA process to ensure that beneficiaries have access to medically necessary and clinically appropriate care.” – NAPT’s comments on CY 2024 Medicare Advantage Program Policy and Technical Changes Proposed Rule.
2. Ensuring Fair and Sustainable Reimbursement
Sustainable reimbursement is essential to preserving access to advanced cancer treatment and payment policies must reflect operational realities to ensure continued access for patients.
- Accurately reflect the true cost and complexity of care delivery
- Support long-term access and responsible growth of proton therapy
“From a patient access perspective, future payment stability is critical not only for sustaining operations at existing proton therapy centers but also for enabling the continued and responsible development of new centers in underserved regions.” – NAPT’s comments on CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
NAPT’s role is to ensure that policymakers and payers fully understand both the clinical value and long-term economic impact of proton therapy when developing coverage and payment policies. NAPT actively engages in federal rulemaking through formal comment letters and ongoing dialogue with agencies such as CMS.
NAPT and PTCOG-NA Comments on RO Model – September 2019
MA Technical Rule -Comment Letter from NAPT – February 2021
NAPT and Member Center Physicians Comments on RO APM to CMMI – March 2021
NAPT Comments on CY2022 OPPS Proposed Rule – September 2021
NAPT and PTCOG-NA Comments on CY2022 OPPS Proposed Rule and RO Model – September 2021
Advocacy News
NAPT Advocacy Report: 2025
Throughout 2025, the National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) continued to amplify its advocacy efforts and health policy initiatives. These efforts aligned with NAPT’s mission.. Read More →
The Red Journal (11.15.25) Features 2024 NAPT Research Forum Proceedings Including First-Ever Consensus Findings Among NAPT, PCG, and PTCOG
Last fall, experts from across the country gathered at the NAPT Research Forum in Washington, D.C. to discuss one of the most pressing issues in.. Read More →
Proton Therapy Continues To Be An Option for Certain Patients Amid Ongoing Access Barriers
2025 NAPT Annual Member Survey Highlights Increases in Patients and Conditions Treated; Continued Barriers to Access, Including Prior Authorization Delays, and Insurance Denials JACKSONVILLE,.. Read More →
NAPT Advocacy Report: 1H 2025
On the Hill In March, NAPT met with key Congressional offices and committee staff to advocate for policies that protect and expand access to proton.. Read More →
Accelerating Progress Through Collaboration
As we follow the actions of the new presidential administration and await more announcements about healthcare leadership and cancer research initiatives, it’s a good time.. Read More →
NAPT’s 2024 Advocacy Report: Download Now
NAPT Advocacy Report: 2024 Throughout 2024, the National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) continued to amplify its advocacy efforts and health policy initiatives. These efforts.. Read More →
Long-Term Heart Health: New Study Highlights Benefits of Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer Survivors
Article by: Texas Center for Proton Therapy A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports that incidences of cardiac dysfunction amongst breast cancer.. Read More →
NAPT Hosts Inaugural Research Forum in Washington, DC: A Collaborative Step Forward in Proton Therapy Research
The National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) hosted its first-ever Research Forum in Washington, DC, gathering top researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders from across the.. Read More →
NAPT Quarterly Advocacy Report: Q2 2024
Congressional Updates Medicare Payment Rules Released The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released 2025 proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Hospital.. Read More →
Virginia Passes Landmark Bill to Ensure Fair Insurance Coverage for Proton Therapy, Championing Advanced Cancer Treatment Accessibility
Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute (Hampton Proton) spearheaded a significant effort to expand equitable access to proton therapy in the state of Virginia. Recognizing the.. Read More →
Addressing Travel-Time Disparities in Proton Beam Therapy Access
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights significant disparities in travel-time access to proton beam therapy (PBT) for cancer treatment across the contiguous.. Read More →
Celebrating Advocacy and Excellence in Proton Therapy: The 2024 NAPT Excellence Awards
This month, the National Association for Proton Therapy brought a celebratory close to its 2024 Excellence Awards with special ceremonies in California and Florida. These.. Read More →
