Family Medicine Advocates to Congress: Support Primary and Virtual Care Affordability, REDI Act, Medicare Part B Coverage for ACIP-Approved Vaccines

The Michigan Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) leaders and staff recently returned from the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit (FMAS) which took place Sunday, May 19 to Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Washington, DC. This summit was an incredible opportunity for MAFP to take an active role in shaping the future of family medicine. The event brought together passionate advocates from across the country, and we were proud to be among them. The Michigan delegation spoke with Senate offices and Michigan’s congressional districts about the importance of supporting: 

• Primary and Virtual Care Affordability Act (H.R. 7681), legislation that would allow individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans to access in-person primary care and telehealth services prior to meeting their deductible.   

• Legislation (not yet been introduced) that would allow all ACIP-approved vaccines under Medicare Part D to be covered under Part B.   

• The Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, legislation that would allow medical residents to defer payments on their interest until their residency training is complete. 

These initiatives address the escalating costs of health care coverage, access to ACIP-approved vaccines through Medicare Part B, and the financial impacts of medical education costs that deter medical students from choosing family medicine. 

This year’s Family Medicine Advocacy Summit joined the growing trend of family medicine advocacy event support. Earlier this year, MAFP’s sold-out Michigan Family Medicine Advocacy Day was a huge success with more than 175 family physicians, family residents, and students attending. Mark your calendar for Advocacy Day 2025, taking place on March 18!