Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) leaders participated in the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Family Medicine Advocacy Summit (FMAS) June 14-16 in Washington, D.C.
Through a series of meetings with Ohio’s federal representatives, OAFP delegates discussed pressing issues such as removing the $100,000 H-1B visa fee for physicians by supporting the Healthcare Workforce Act, waiving the Medicare Part B patient coinsurance requirement for Chronic Care Management services by supporting the Chronic Care Management Improvement Act, as well as strengthening oversight of Medicare Advantage plans and ensuring beneficiaries receive timely, medically necessary care through the support of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026.
In-person meetings were conducted with the offices of Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted; and Congress people Troy Balderson, Joyce Beatty, Michael Rulli, and Emilia Sykes.
OAFP members in attendance included President Mary Krebs, MD, FAAFP; Emerging Leaders Rebecca Fujimara, MD, MPH, and Rupalakshmi Vijayan MD; Justin Anserson, MD; Courtney Holbrook, MD; Rimsha Fatima, MD; medical student Nathaniel Amoah; AAFP Board member Sarah Sams, MD, FAAFP; and OAFP Advocacy Coordinator Kaela Springhetti. Also in attendance was Ellen Harrington, PhD, associate director of Suma Health Family Medicine Program.
Thanks to the OAFP members who participated in FMAS! These members gave up three days to participate in advocacy training and taking part in congressional hill visits.
The next Family Medicine Advocacy Summit will be held Sunday-Tuesday, May 23-25, 2027, in Washington, D.C.