How The "One Big Beautiful Bill" Impacts Clinical Trial Participants, And What's Still Needed

Explore the implications of the newly enacted "One Big Beautiful Bill," which raises the 1099 reporting threshold for clinical trial stipends from $600 to $2,000, effective January 1, 2026, with future adjustments for inflation. This legislative change will alleviate the administrative burdens faced by clinical research stakeholders, particularly benefiting low-income patients in short-term or low-compensation trials. However, the increase in the threshold does not fully address the concerns of participants reliant on social welfare programs, as they remain obligated to report any stipend income, potentially deterring their involvement in trials. While the new tax bill marks a significant improvement in the compliance landscape for clinical research, further legislative measures are still essential to foster equitable participation and ensure that financial concerns do not hinder engagement in clinical trials. Learn more about the impact of this bill and the proposed next steps to improve clinical research.