FamMedPAC Helps AAFP 'Fight the Good Fight'

Primary care faces critical times in Washington, D.C.

Medicare payment restructuring, Title VII, medical liability reform, SCHIP funding … the list goes on and on. Issues that are vital to the interests and survival of family physicians and their patients are in the hands of Congress.

The AAFP is using every weapon in its arsenal to 'fight the good fight' for family medicine. Two years ago this month, the Academy added an especially effective weapon with the launch of FamMedPAC.

The only federal political action committee whose sole purpose is promoting the viewpoints of family physicians and family medicine, FamMedPAC is designed to help elect candidates to Congress who support AAFP's legislative goals and objectives. Before FamMedPAC's launch, AAFP could do many things to promote the family medicine perspective on Capitol Hill -- but it couldn't contribute to federal election campaigns. Election laws prohibit the use of membership dues for donations to political candidates. Now, through FamMedPAC, the specialty has that power.

In the 2006 election, of the 87 incumbents or candidates supported by FamMedPAC, 75 won. So far this year, nearly $200,000 has been raised for the current election cycle -- most of it from family physicians like you.

Incumbents and candidates who support family medicine's legislative and regulatory priorities, hold leadership positions on key committees and subcommittees, or are Academy members are eligible to receive FamMedPAC contributions, according to the criteria (Members Only) (PDF file: 4 pages / 44 KB. More about PDFs.) established by the PAC's governing board.

What's the payoff for family doctors? Increasingly, members of Congress turn to AAFP members and leaders for advice and then carry the Academy's perspective forward on Capitol Hill.

One legislator who received a FamMedPAC contribution was about to meet with a nonphysician group on a health care issue. Before the meeting, one of the legislator's staff members called the Academy to inquire what family physicians thought of a specific bill to be discussed at that meeting. Another lawmaker, Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif., recently told attendees at a FamMedPAC reception, "A new physician fee system should accurately reflect the value of primary care." These are just two examples among many.

The message is getting through. When they think of primary care, members of Congress think of the AAFP.

That doesn't mean political contributions "buy access" to government officials. In a representative government, everyone is allowed access to legislators. However, FamMedPAC has enhanced that access. AAFP members, staff and leaders are increasing their direct contact with members of Congress.

For example, when FamMedPAC writes a check, the preferred method of distribution is to send the contribution to the legislator's or candidate's home district. There, a FamMedPAC contributor presents the check, in person, to the recipient. This "face time" is an ideal opportunity to present the views of family doctors.

Inside the Beltway, family medicine is gaining visibility, not just among members of Congress, but also with the greater Washington community. The AAFP is included in major health care political events -- from breakfasts to roundtables to congressional testimony.

But in order for FamMedPAC to continue its bold strides, more AAFP members need to contribute, and they should encourage other family physicians to contribute. In fact, peer-to-peer challenges are among the most effective grassroots marketing methods for FamMedPAC. Members are taking it upon themselves to issue challenges or offer matching funds.

Nearly $200,000 is a great start for this election cycle -- but just think what would happen if each AAFP member contributed even $100 a year. Talk about impact!