John Meigs Jr., president of the AAFP, has urged Congress in a statement to fund health programs for the American people. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
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Jeff Gantt | Dec 15, 2016

AAFP urges Congress to fund health programs

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) President Dr. John Meigs Jr. has issued a statement to Congress to urge them to stabilize funding for health programs.

“The American Academy of Family Physicians commends Congress for passing a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through April 28, 2017,” Meigs said. “Despite the unfortunate across-the-board cut for all programs, which was mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011 sequester requirements, health programs will continue to operate for four more months.”

Meigs went on to say that the AAFP fully supports health policies that are designed to protect and promote the American people’s well-being.

“The AAFP calls on the 115th Congress to ensure that vital health, workforce and research programs continue beyond April,” he said. “Funding for a partial fiscal year ensures short-term relief from uncertainty, but programs that provide health care and fund research require stability over the long-term.”

According to Meigs, the AAFP also advocates for programs that would guarantee U.S. residents access to high-quality and affordable primary medical care and urges Congress to recognize and support the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s research that show the rise of primary care demand.

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