In today’s ever shifting landscape, we know that family physicians face increasing strain between caring for patients, administrative burden and navigating a system that undervalues primary care. That’s why advocating for family medicine is more important than ever. The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) and The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) are working to lift that burden at both the state and federal levels. We are in D.C. and in St. Paul championing policies that will help improve your work and the lives of your patients. Whether its fighting for fairer payments, championing access to care for patients or reducing your paperwork, we are advocating for you every day.
AAFP: A Leader in Federal Advocacy
The AAFP actively advocates for policies that support family physicians and strengthen primary care nationwide, including speaking out in defense of Medicaid and SNAP. Recent notable wins include additional funding for rural residency programs and rules to improve Medicaid payment.
Get Involved: Advocacy tools for members
- Speak Out: Use templates to contact elected officials quickly with options to personalize it because your stories matter. There are multiple active Speak Outs right now to allow you a quick and easy way to engage with your legislators on Medicaid, Direct Primary Care and Health Care related federal funding cuts and others.
- Advocacy Ambassador: Partner with lawmakers, share AAFP priorities and champion primary care issues. Use AAFP tools to become a resource to your Congressperson and Senators.
- Family Medicine Political Action Network: AAFP’s bipartisan PAC to ensure that family medicine stays at the center of policy conversations.
MAFP: Advocacy at Home
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) plays a vital role in advancing family medicine advocacy at the state level. Our legislative committee and board set advocacy priorities. Recent ongoing priorities include increasing investment in primary care, supporting workforce diversity, and addressing administrative burden through prior authorization reforms.
Ways to Engage
- Advocacy Training: Online modules to teach members the skills to effectively engage with legislators and advocate for their patients and profession.
- Resolution Forum: Submit and vote on policies that shape MAFP’s goals.
- Health Equity: Curated resources/tools to help family physicians bridge gaps in patient care, promote health equity and address racism.
- Advocacy Blog: Stay informed on MAFP’s latest advocacy work.
Advocating for You
Whether you’re new to advocacy or already engaged know that the AAFP and the MAFP are working every day to strengthen family medicine. Your voice and experiences matter. Together we are shaping a better future for primary care.
