FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Statement attributable to:
Ada D. Stewart, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians applauds the President’s plan which makes investments aimed at increasing access to health care and further addressing health inequities and social determinants of health in the United States. Such investments reconfirm the administration’s commitment to health equity.
“The AAFP strongly supports the extension of enhanced subsidies under the American Families Plan that will allow individuals and families to purchase comprehensive, affordable health plans through Healthcare.gov and the state marketplaces. This is another step forward in ensuring all people have access to continuous, high-quality primary care and other essential health care when they need it.
“The AAFP is also pleased that the President’s plan includes paid sick leave for employees which may also be used to care for a sick family member. The AAFP has long advocated for paid sick leave, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the need for a national sick leave policy. Ensuring that people are able to take time away from their job when they or a family member are ill supports timely access to health care which in turn leads to better health outcomes.
“These investments, coupled with new infrastructure support under the American Jobs Plan, would strengthen our nation’s health care system and address underlying social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities and poor health outcomes. Family physicians are excited about the possibilities and stand ready to help our communities achieve optimal health.”
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Stewart, contact Janelle Davis, (913) 912-0377, or jdavis@aafp.org.
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About American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 130,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.