The Academy’s Speak Out tool enables you to directly contact your state officials, members of Congress, or the Office of the President on the issues that matter most to primary care. Make your voice heard by using our timely, messaging templates, customizable for letters, emails and phone calls.
Congress has until March 14 to pass a funding package that addresses critical issues affecting family medicine and the patients you serve.
Urge your members of Congress to include relief to offset cuts to Medicare physician payment, ensure adequate funding for THCGME, and make certain COVID-era telehealth flexibilities permanent.
The proposals to potentially cut Medicaid funding are deeply concerning, and could have devastating effects on patients and communities. We need to protect Medicaid and ensure that patients can continue to afford and receive the care they need.
Contact your members of Congress and express your concern about potential cuts to Medicaid funding.
The AAFP’s powerful advocacy gains force when you add your voice to the fight for family medicine. Each of the Academy’s 130,000 family physicians — including you — is a constituent, a respected community member and a health care authority. When you use the AAFP’s resources to engage with your lawmakers, you exert real influence and amplify the Academy’s work to shape federal and state policies favorable to your practices and your patients. Here’s how easy it is.
Yes! Federal and state lawmakers use these letters to gauge which issues are most urgent within their districts and, in cases of controversy, where their constituents stand. Congressional offices often have multiple full-time staff members who tally emails and letters.
All of the AAFP’s pre-written letters available through our Speak Out tool can be edited, and we encourage your additions. Including your personal story in a letter will deepen your lawmaker’s understanding of the issue.
The AAFP’s Speak Out tool provides talking points and contact information so that you can call your member(s) of Congress.
Typically, you’ll reach a staff member, who will make a note of your request. These phone calls will be very short so it is important to clearly state
If you would like to speak further about the issue, you can ask to speak with the legislative aide handling that issue.
Members of Congress typically have a “contact” section on their websites that includes a form to send an email. It is likely that your state lawmakers have a similar form or otherwise provide an email address.
Additional tips:
Monitor congressional bills with the potential to affect family physicians and know where your legislators stand on these issues.
This network pairs AAFP members with congressional leaders and elected officials supportive of priorities of family physicians to champion legislation and public policy.
Learn where your state stands on emerging issues related to primary care. Access toolkits, browse resources related to state advocacy, and connect with your state chapter.
Help achieve a long-term solution in Medicare physician payment, address the administrative burdens you face daily, and back the next generation of family physicians.