August 2026

At Doctors for America, we often say that meaningful change happens because physicians keep showing up, for our patients, our communities, and our democracy. Thanks to you, we're making a difference. Here are just a few recent highlights:

 

On July 30, 2026, DFA marked the 61st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid by co-hosting a national virtual press event with Economic Security Project Action and Unrig the Economy. The event featured Senators Ron Wyden and Chris Van Hollen, DFA leaders Kreena Patel, MD, and Dan Skinner, PhD, along with healthcare workers and Medicaid beneficiaries, to highlight the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts and the urgent need to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act.

 

DFA continues to lead through judicial advocacy. As a plaintiff in City of Columbus et al. v. Kennedy et al., represented by Democracy Forward, DFA successfully challenged portions of a CMS rule that would have restricted Affordable Care Act coverage. The court vacated most of the challenged provisions, preserving critical consumer protections related to enrollment, past-due premiums, income verification, and eligibility.

 

Building on that success, DFA joined a second lawsuit filed in June 2026 challenging a new CMS rule that would create additional barriers to Affordable Care Act enrollment and coverage. Through these legal actions, DFA is helping ensure that healthcare policy remains grounded in law, science, and the needs of patients.

 

Our work is far from over. DFA is actively exploring additional litigation related to Medicaid work requirements and the proposed federal grant rule (OMB-2026-0034), which could significantly restrict federally funded research and undermine scientific independence. If you are interested in serving as a declarant in either of these cases, please contact Lauren Batement with Public Citizen.

 

If your schedule doesn't allow you to volunteer your time, you can still make a meaningful impact by becoming a DFA Sustaining Member and donor. Your financial support provides the reliable funding that enables us to respond quickly to emerging threats, train the next generation of physician advocates, defend evidence-based medicine in the courts and Congress, and fight every day for our patients and communities.

 

Every contribution, no matter the size, strengthens our collective voice.

Thank you for standing with Doctors for America. Because of you, the momentum continues.

 

Join the Access to Affordable Care Team on Tuesday, August 4, at 8:00 pm ET as we mobilize to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act from devastating cuts that threaten the health and financial security of millions of Americans. Be part of the strategy and help shape our advocacy efforts.

Join the Community Health & Prevention Subcommittees on Monday, August 17, at 8:00 pm ET to tackle some of the nation's most pressing public health challenges, including substance use disorders, gun violence prevention, and strengthening public health systems. Your expertise can help drive meaningful change.

Join the FDA Task Force on Tuesday, August 18, at 8:00 pm ET to learn how physicians can influence FDA policy and advocate for the safe, effective, and equitable regulation of medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. Whether you're new to advocacy or an experienced leader, there's a place for you.

Healthcare access remains at the center of national conversations. The Reproductive Health Coalition is offering a series of free, interactive trainings designed to help clinicians, advocates, and community members communicate more effectively about reproductive healthcare. Gain practical skills, build confidence, and learn how to have respectful, values-based conversations that make a difference.

We believe that your stories have the power to shape policy and shift public opinion. Fight back with your words by writing an Op-Ed and submitting it for feedback and review by DFA’s Op-Ed Review Committee.

A product’s safety story does not end at FDA approval. So how do we know medications remain safe and effective in practice?
 

Join us to explore the FDA’s Sentinel System, how postmarket surveillance works, and what clinicians should know about the strengths, limitations, and future of medication monitoring.

Your generous donation directly powers the work we do to advance health equity nationwide. Every gift helps fund fly-in programs that bring clinicians and students to Washington, DC, to advocate directly with lawmakers on critical healthcare policy issues, as well as the educational training and community outreach initiatives that strengthen local health systems across all 50 states. By supporting our mission, you're investing in the next generation of healthcare advocates and helping ensure that every community has a voice in shaping the policies that affect its health and wellbeing.