The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) proposed limits on open access publication charges (APCs) have elicited a strong reaction from the scientific community, with the proposal including several variations on publication charge limits[1]. One of the proposed options limits the direct cost of publication to $2,000 per article, while an alternative allows for a higher limit of $3,000 if the journal compensates reviewers[1]. The NIH reports that the average global APC was approximately US$1,235.51, while the average budgets requested were in the range of US$2,600-3,100[1]. Another option proposes to limit the total publication expenditure per grant to 0.8% of the direct grant award or $20,000, whichever is greater[1]. The proposals also include the possibility of agency-approved exceptions for unusual or high-stakes situations[1]. The NIH justifies the proposal as an effort to control the rising costs associated with publishing and to ensure funding is consistent with the goals of the new public access policy, effective July 1, 2025[3].