Physician Leaders Advocate for Healthcare Improvements at National Advocacy Conference

Physician leaders from across California recently convened in Washington, D.C., for the American Medical Association (AMA) National Advocacy Conference to address critical issues impacting patient care and physician practices. The conference, held last week, focused on advocating for policies related to Medicaid access, Medicare physician payment, and prior authorization reform.

Advocating for Patient Access and Physician Stability

During the conference, California Medical Association (CMA) physicians engaged with key congressional offices to discuss federal policies affecting both physicians and patients. A primary concern raised was the potential impact of proposed reductions in Medicaid coverage, as outlined in H.R. 1. Physician leaders warned that these cuts could result in millions of Californians losing healthcare coverage and place significant financial strain on hospitals, clinics, and safety-net providers throughout the state.

CMA leaders also emphasized the need for Medicare physician payment reform to ensure the stability of physician practices and continued access to care for seniors. They urged Congress to maintain the 2.7% payment increase included in H.R. 1, prevent a proposed 2.5% cut, and implement a one-year inflationary update to account for rising practice costs.

Streamlining Prior Authorization Processes

Advocates also championed the passage of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S. 1816), bipartisan legislation aimed at streamlining prior authorization requirements within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill seeks to reduce delays in accessing medically necessary care and alleviate the administrative burdens that physicians report increasingly hinder patient care. AMA Advocacy Events

Addressing Healthcare Workforce Shortages

CMA leaders expressed gratitude to members of Congress who supported efforts to waive a new $100,000 federal fee for H-1B visa petitions for healthcare workers. Physician groups have cautioned that this fee could exacerbate existing healthcare workforce shortages.

Upcoming Advocacy Opportunities

CMA encourages physicians and medical students interested in advocacy to participate in the upcoming CMA Legislative Advocacy Day on April 8. This event will bring together physicians from across California to meet with state legislators and advocate for policies that support both physicians and improved patient care. Learn more and sign up here.

Looking Ahead

The AMA National Advocacy Conference underscores the commitment of physician leaders to actively shape healthcare policy and ensure that the voices of both physicians and patients are heard in Washington, D.C. Continued engagement in advocacy efforts will be crucial to addressing the challenges facing the healthcare system and building a more equitable and accessible future for all. The 2027 AMA National Advocacy Conference is scheduled for February 22-24 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Registration information will be posted closer to the event date.

Featured Speakers at the 2026 Conference included:

• Chris Klomp, director of the Center for Medicare, deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, senior advisor to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• Daniel Brillman, director of the Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services, deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Mark Cuban, Entrepreneur. Co-Founder, Cost Plus Drugs
• Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV)
• Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA)
• Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC)
• Rep. Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA)
• Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI)
• Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT)