Make August Count for Family Medicine Advocacy Where You Are. Here’s How

That’s because all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives (along with 33 Senate seats) are in contention — a fact of the election cycle that makes your incumbent lawmakers uniquely attentive. Especially when they’re hearing from a trusted family physician about how to improve health care and access to it in their communities.  

August, when Congress recesses so its members can conduct “in-district work periods,” is always a good time to meet with your elected officials. You don’t have to travel to D.C. to book face time with them or a key aide because they’ve come home to hear from constituents. This August, though — less than 100 days out from a highly politicized election — is an ideal moment for you to speak with your representatives about the generally bipartisan, broadly supported legislation the AAFP is working to pass this year. 

Specifically, we’re calling for

• permanent authorization and increased funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program,

• passage of the Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act and

• instituting an annual inflationary payment update in the Medicare physician fee schedule, tied to the Medicare Economic Index.

As you can see from the links above, the Academy has kicked off grassroots campaigns to advance these aims. Our Speak Out tool lets you email your representatives directly and tailor your message (or use the language already built in). 

But I hope you’ll go further. This month is your best opportunity before November to personalize the impact of these policy priorities by communicating in person the stories of your own practice and patients. (One party-related scheduling caveat: The Democratic National Convention happens in Chicago during the recess, Aug. 19-22.) 

It’s not hard, and the Academy has the resources you need to make it happen — starting with our How to Meet With Your Lawmaker page. You’ll also find talking points and other information on the AAFP’s Grassroots Advocacy Resources page. Members also have access to the Academy’s Government Relations team. We’re here to answer your questions; just email grassroots@aafp.org. 

I can’t overemphasize this: You have a powerful story to tell about how policies that build the family medicine workforce, reduce administrative complexity and improve Medicare physician payment will benefit your community. Whether you talk about a particular patient or about special services you provide that help your fellow constituents, you can deliver an important, persuasive message and build a relationship. 

We know we’re already getting through with these messages right now, collectively as well as individually. Some results of May’s Family Medicine Advocacy Summit bear this out. In the days just after hundreds of AAFP members went to the Capitol to advocate for family medicine (and many more of you joined related Speak Out campaigns and boosted the day’s message on social media), seven lawmakers added their names as co-sponsors of three pieces of legislation related to our FMAS asks.  

I look forward to hearing from you about your meetings. Your feedback helps inform our strategies as we work to get these and other bills passed.