Guiding Health Care Policy

Not sure who your federal or state legislators are? Enter your zip code into the PGN’s legislator search tool to find your elected officials. Additionally, refer to our Members of the 118th U.S. Congress List for a breakdown of new members, physician members and key committee members across the House and Senate.

The AMA’s Guide to Physician Advocacy uncovers the ins and outs of communication with Congress. You can make your voice heard through social media, letters, emails and phone calls to Congress. 

Social Media

Social media has transformed how constituents connect with their members of Congress. Through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, you can directly engage with almost every U.S. representative and senator instantly. When you leverage this access with specific, consistent messages or direct calls to action about a time-sensitive issue or upcoming vote, it can yield powerful results. 

Tips

• When engaging with your elected officials, be sure to indicate that you are a constituent.
• Follow your representative and senators on Facebook and Twitter.
• Follow @PhysGrassroots on Twitter, on Facebook and on Instagram and share content that resonates with you and your network.

Emails and Letters

Reading feedback from constituents is something many members of Congress prioritize, and most offices keep tally of feedback they receive on particular issues. Being a part of PGN ensures you will stay up-to-date and receive action alerts for specific issues to help you get the writing process started. Written correspondence is most impactful if it includes personal stories and original thoughts. 

Phone Calls

Phone calls to your members’ district or Capitol Hill office are a great way to voice your concerns and ask questions about legislative issues. Although you will rarely speak directly to the member, congressional staffers should know the member’s position on particular issues and will relay your concerns to the member. 

In-Person Visits

Meeting with a member of Congress or their congressional staff is an effective way to discuss issues and legislative priorities. Meeting with a member’s staff who specializes in your area of interest, like the health legislative assistant, can be just as productive as meeting with the member. Careful planning and having clear goals for the meeting are key to conducting a successful in-person visit.

Tips

• Contact the member’s scheduler and request to meet directly with the health legislative assistant and the member, if available. 
• Explain the purpose for the meeting, including what one to two issues you want to discuss, and whom you represent.
• Follow up after the meeting by writing an email or letter that thanks the member and/or staff for their time, recaps agenda items and reiterates any requests.