April 2025
Rapid changes in Federal Government policies are occurring since the new administration was inaugurated on Jan 20. The AAFP is monitoring issues that affect Family Physicians. AAFP has up-to date details at https://www.aafp.org/advocacy.html on changing Federal policies and funding, and how you can get involved in helping to transform our practice environment.
Robert F Kennedy, Jr, is the new Secretary of US Health and Human Services. He oversees 11 federal agencies including the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). He advises the president on health and social services issues, is responsible for preparing the nation for public health emergencies (like the new measles outbreak in Texas & New Mexico), and supervises government vaccine recommendations, research and payment.
Plans are being developed in Washington to target Medicaid & Medicare for substantial funding cuts. Less funding (and less patient care) would be harmful for the 72 million Americans who rely on Medicaid for their health care, including low-income adults, children, pregnant patients, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid covers more than 40% of births in the US, and enrollment remains high following the COVID pandemic, when Medicaid helped to save lives. Chronic Medi-Cal under-funding already undermines the health care system and increases costs for all insured Californians.
On the state level, California Prop 35 will allocate increased state funding to improve access to primary and preventive services, and to help our patients access specialty care. Low reimbursement rates often require Medi-Cal enrollees to go to emergency departments for timely care or to avoid care while their conditions worsen, which increases health costs for everyone. Federal policy and funding changes this year that are still evolving may have a significant effect on these issues.
The 2025 All Member Advocacy Meeting (AMAM) Mar 15-17 in Sacramento is the annual opportunity for California family physicians to discuss resolutions and help shape the future of health care. March 17 is Lobby Day when family physicians meet with state officials to discuss healthcare policies and legislation. Thanks to the participating Family Physicians who are donating their time to help our specialty.
Important website links:
- https://www.familydocs.org/new-laws/ for new California state laws affecting Family Physicians;
- https://www.familydocs.org/advocacy/get-involved/ to learn how to share your voice as a Family Physician and advocate for the future of Family Medicine.
LA Fires: Physician licensure fees were deferred for those who were impacted; Covered California opened a special enrollment for wildfire-affected residents.
