The statement below is issued by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Physicians, American Osteopathic Association and American Psychiatric Association.

“Our organizations, representing more than 600,000 physicians, share an unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. As the Senate considers the House-passed budget reconciliation package, we urge lawmakers to protect patients’ access to affordable health insurance, maintain full access to loan borrowing and student loan forgiveness programs to ensure a path for aspiring physicians, and meaningfully reform Medicare physician payment to safeguard access to care in underserved rural and urban communities. Failing to do so will have real and long-lasting consequences for patients, physicians, and the stability of our health care system.

Medicaid
Medicaid is a lifeline for children, families, pregnant and postpartum people, individuals with disabilities, and those struggling to make ends meet. If the Senate allows the House’s proposed work reporting requirements, eligibility restrictions, and financial barriers to become law, millions of people could lose their health care coverage—risking their health, financial security, and in many cases, their lives. The expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits would only exacerbate these disruptions, leaving more people without the care they need.

Student Debt Relief
Our nation is already grappling with a physician shortage, especially in underserved and rural areas. Limiting access to federal student loans will put medical school out of reach for the aspiring physicians of tomorrow, and weakening student loan forgiveness programs would make it harder to recruit and retain physicians in communities that need them most, Without loan forgiveness programs, many medical graduates will face insurmountable debt, pushing them away from careers in medicine – especially primary care – at a time when they are desperately needed.

Medicare Physician Payment
Additionally, Congress must take more significant steps to modernize Medicare physician payment. Instability and cuts year after year are forcing practices—especially small, independent, and rural ones—to scale back services or close altogether. Without comprehensive reform, patients will lose trusted physicians, and entire communities may be left without access to care.

We call on the Senate to chart a better course. The health of our patients, the strength of our physician workforce and the future of our health care system depend on it. We stand ready to work with lawmakers to ensure health care remains accessible to all who need it.”

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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.  

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. 

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing evidence-based obstetric and gynecologic care. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 60,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for equitable, exceptional, and respectful care for all women and people in need of obstetric and gynecologic care; maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members; promotes patient education; and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing patients and their families and communities. acog.org

American College of Physicians

The  American College of Physicians  is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 172 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 161,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.

American Osteopathic Association

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 197,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; and serves as the primary certifying body for DOs. To learn more about Dos and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit www.osteopathic.org.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 39,200 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.