The Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians (LAFP) advocacy team monitors healthcare related legislation, rule changes, and legislative updates for Louisiana’s family physicians.

To access the LAFP Bill Tracker, visit the LAFP Advocacy Action Center webpage.

Read on for this week’s updates and contact Ragan LeBlanc with questions or for ways to get involved.

AAFP Speak Out Opportunities
Source: The American Academy of Family Physicians

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is asking members to join its efforts and have initiated the following Speak Out opportunities to allow you an efficient way to contact your representatives:

• Tell Congress to Protect Medicaid
  Family physicians are on the front lines of healthcare, providing essential services to patients of all backgrounds and demographics, many of whom are covered by Medicaid. The AAFP is deeply concerned about proposals to potentially cut Medicaid funding, which could have devastating effects on patients and communities.
• Urge Congress to Prioritize Family Medicine in Funding Package
  Congress has until Friday, March 14, to pass a funding package that addresses critical issues affecting family medicine and family medicine patients. This Speak Out urges members of Congress to include relief to offset the 2.8% cut to Medicare physician payment, ensure adequate funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, and make certain COVID-era telehealth flexibilities permanent.

AAFP Pushes for Tax Policy Favoring Family Physicians
Source: The American Academy of Family Physicians

With several tax cuts set to expire at the end of this year, including some affecting independent physician practice finances and patients’ costs, Congress is making a priority of tax reform. Other tax policy proposals that could benefit family physicians, especially residents and those who practice in underserved areas, are also part of the discussion.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is weighing in early.

“Numerous tax-related policies within this committee’s jurisdiction,” the AAFP recently told the House Ways and Means Committee, “could protect independent physician practices, incentivize other family physicians to work in high-need communities, and invest in the health and well-being of patients.”

The AAFP sent its January 28 statement, signed by Board Chair Steven Furr, MD, FAAFP, to the committee ahead of a hearing titled “The Need to Make Permanent the Trump Tax Cuts for Working Families.” The Academy urged legislators to undertake tax policy that:

• Protects independent and small family physician practices
• Extends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits
• Ensures access to affordable care for patients with chronic conditions by codifying current IRS guidance
• Encourages physicians to participate in federal loan repayment programs that provide care to rural and medically underserved communities
• Upholds the tax-exempt status of nonprofits that support physicians and their patients.

Read the full article on the AAFP website.