{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"FFFM | March 2026 Advocacy Rounds","description":" David Tully, AAFP vice president of government relations, recaps the AAFP\u2019s March 2026 advocacy efforts. Academy EVP and CEO Shawn Martin testified before Congress on how underinvestment fuels workforce shortages, longer waits and practice closures. Chronic disease drives 90% of the $4.9 trillion the US spends on health care each year, but primary care receives less than 5% of those funds. With that in mind, the AAFP urged Congress to improve patients\u2019 access and costs by making primary care affordable, supporting science-based vaccine policy, advancing targeted tax policies, protecting medical student loans (including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program) and funding the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality at $500 million.    Topics by Timestamp   00:00 March advocacy recap  00:35 Primary care underfunding  01:48 Capitol Hill meetings  02:03 Affordable access message  02:42 Science-based vaccine policy  03:03 Tax incentives to improve the PC workforce  03:37 Student loan protections  05:23 AI principles in care  07:35 Fund AHRQ research  08:48 Closing and resources    Additional Resources  Six ways Congress can make health care affordable for doctors and patients  Joint Letter in Support of Fiscal Year 2027 AHRQ Funding - 030226  AAFP Comments to ASTP-ONC on HTI-5 PR - February 25, 2026  The Starfield Signal: A Shared Vision and Roadmap for AI in Primary Care  Health IT End-Users Alliance Response to ASTP-ONC on HHS Health Sector AI RFI - February 20, 2026  AI Is in the Doctor\u2019s Bag\u2014And Primary Care Is Ready to Use It | Rock Health  AAFP Response to Education Department on RISE PR - February 24, 2026  AAFP Letter to Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Hearing on Cost of Higher Education \u2013 February 18, 2026  Health Subcommittee: Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the U.S. Provider Landscape    Disclaimer: Copyright 2026, AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker\u2019s own and do not\u202frepresent\u202fthose of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.\u202fThe AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.\u202fConsult\u202fan appropriate professional\u202fconcerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically\u202fstated\u202fotherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.\u202f\u202f\u202f    ","author_name":"Inside Family Medicine","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/499348","html":"