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NCAFP Leaders Advocate for Payment Reform and Admin Burden Reduction at Family Medicine Advocacy Summit

NCAFP Leaders Advocate for Payment Reform and Admin Burden Reduction at Family Medicine Advocacy Summit

12:45 p.m. today

NCAFP Leaders Advocate for Payment Reform and Admin Burden Reduction at Family Medicine Advocacy Summit

By Kevin LaTorre 
NCAFP Communications and Membership Manager

Earlier this week, nearly 20 members of the NCAFP participated in the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Family Medicine Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. NCAFP President Dr. Benjamin “Frankie” Simmons, AAFP Board Member and past NCAFP president Dr. Shannon Dowler, and AAFP Commission for Federal and State Policy Chair Dr. Andrea DeSantis were among NCAFP members attending the conference.

The conference included educational sessions, as well as opportunities for participants to meet with their respective congressional offices. Throughout all these activities, NCAFP leaders developed and enhanced advocacy skills, policy insights, and relationships with the federal lawmakers who need to know the benefits of stronger Family Medicine.

Beyond talking to the NC Congressional delegation about the importance of primary care, the AAFP requested members to make three asks during the Hill visits:

  • Pass the Chronic Care Management Act to remove Medicare patient cost-sharing requirements for chronic care management services
  • Recognize the importance of physician visa holders in the primary care workforce and remove barriers to their ability to practice
  • Pass the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act (HF 8375/S4384) to strengthen oversight of Medicare Advantage plans and ensure seniors receive timely, medically necessary care

The NCAFP’s involvement during the Advocacy Summit follows state-level advocacy at the 2026 White Coat Wednesday event and the first-ever Policy Bootcamp for Family Medicine residents in May.

About the NCAFP

The North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, Inc. (NCAFP) is a nonprofit professional association headquartered in Raleigh which represents over 4,300 family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students across the state. It is the largest medical specialty association in North Carolina and is a constituent chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, based in Leadwood, KS.