ADVOCACY

important advocacy update from aafp

November 21, 2025

Today, the AAFP sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – calling on them to use their oversight powers to investigate the practice of downcoding by health plans. In recent months, we’ve heard more about this issue from our members, and in some cases have seen some states take actions to prevent the practice. It is our hope that this letter opens a dialogue with the administration about this practice and creates an opportunity to address this harmful practice. Our Washington team is also meeting with lawmakers on this issue, and there may be additional oversight actions by Congress in the future.

Late yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control updated their websites to question the claim that vaccines do not cause autism. The AAFP is concerned with these changes and has been vocal about efforts by the administration to push out misinformation to the public, especially when it’s not rooted in science. We just issued a statement on social media building off messaging we released several weeks back.

There are growing efforts amongst the procedural specialties to freeze implementation of the efficiency adjustment as finalized by the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. More now than ever we need to impress upon Congress the importance of allowing the fee schedule to go into effect. We have included a link to our active Speak Out and ask that you please forward this to your members.

We expect the Senate to take up a vote on extending the ACA enhanced subsidies prior to their December 31st expiration. It’s important that Congress hears from us on the importance of extending these subsidies for two reasons (1) establishing stability in the ACA marketplace, and (2) creating a pathway toward conversations on long-term ACA reforms. We have an active Speak Out campaign and ask that you forward this to your members.

FamMedPAC

The Family Medicine PAC is the American Academy of Family Physicians’ federal political action committee—the specialty’s voice on Capitol Hill. It is the PAC dedicated to supporting family physicians, their patients, and their practices.  Learn More

Donors make a difference

Your financial contribution to FamMedPAC goes toward electing members of Congress who will fight for family medicine. When you donate to FamMedPAC, you: 

  • strengthen our advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., 

  • help build relationships with key legislators, and 

  • ensure family medicine’s prominence as issues are debated.

Donate to FAMMEDPAC

Advocacy: Fighting for Family Medicine

NMAFP, other state chapters, and the AAFP advocate for better policies both nationally and at the state level. NMAFP’s Governmental Affairs Committee works throughout the year meeting with our state’s legislative members trying to lay the foundation for meaningful policies during the legislative session. Curious about family medicine in New Mexico? Click here to download a fact sheet.

Are you interested in joining? Contact us today for more information on how you can involved.


AAFP Advocacy rounds

Welcome to Family Medicine Advocacy Rounds — the American Academy of Family Physicians monthly tip sheet to educate, engage and update you on the latest policy issues affecting family physicians and their patients. Click the drop down menu below to view and download monthly updates.

AAFP Speak Out

Have a minute? Use the AAFP Speak Out tool to amplify your voice and help shape the future of family medicine. Click Here

AAFP Voices

Stay informed with blogs from the AAFP president, leadership, and members. Delve into career growth, advocacy, and other insider topics.  Click Here

Advocacy Ambassadors Program

Build relationships with federal lawmakers and connect the dots between the laws passed in Washington, D.C., and their effects on practicing family medicine. Learn more

Congressional Primary Care Caucus

This bipartisan caucus educates members of Congress and their staffs on critical primary care issues affecting their districts and advocates for policies that strengthen primary care. Click Here

Congressional bill tracking

The Academy tracks congressional bills with the potential to affect family physicians and knows where your legislators stand on these issues. If your representative or senators have yet to co-sponsor a piece of legislation, speak out and advocate on behalf of family medicine. Lean more

Stay up to date with national advocacy efforts 

The Academy is advocating on your behalf. You can stay up to date with national advocacy efforts by visiting here.