Good News for 2026: Vital SCI Programs Receive Full Federal Funding

After months of budget debates, a bipartisan agreement in Congress has officially secured the future of several programs vital to the spinal cord injury community. This funding ensures that essential resources, research, and financial protections remain in place for 2026.

Protection for the National Paralysis Resource Center

The bill fully funds the National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) at $10.7 million. This prevents a major shutdown of services that many in the community rely on.

• Professional information specialists, peer mentoring networks, and free educational materials, like the Paralysis Resource Guide, through the PRC will remain available to everyone at no cost.

• PRC Funding will continue for the Quality of Life grants that support local adaptive sports and community accessibility projects.

$33 Million for SCI Research

Congress has restored $33 million for spinal cord injury research within the Department of Defense. This is a critical investment for the labs at major California universities like Stanford and UCSF. This funding is dedicated to finding medical breakthroughs and improving recovery outcomes for those living with paralysis. If you are interested in participating in a clinical study, you can search for one at SCI Trials.

Prescription Drug Savings

For those on Medicare, 2026 marks a significant shift in out-of-pocket costs due to the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s key provisions:

• There is now a $2,000 annual limit on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare Part D. Once you reach this limit, you will pay nothing for your covered medications for the rest of the year.

• Lower prices on these high-cost medications used for chronic conditions officially went into effect this year, reducing the financial burden on patients.

Telehealth Access Extended

The bill also extends telehealth flexibilities through 2027. This ensures that if you have Medicare, you can continue to consult with specialists remotely. For many of us in Northern California, this removes the physical and financial strain of traveling long distances for routine medical appointments.

Just What We Needed, Just in Time

This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed stability. By protecting these programs, the bill ensures that the support systems and research efforts the community relies on will continue to operate without interruption.