AMA survey spotlights top priorities, challenges in 2026 state health policy

CHICAGO - Physician organizations are preparing for a dynamic state legislative landscape this year with health policy changes poised to reshape coverage, oversight, care delivery, and public health across the health system, according to a new survey (PDF) released today by the American Medical Association (AMA).

The AMA's survey of 64 medical societies, including all 50 state medical societies and the District of Columbia, spotlights the leading health care priorities and challenges set to define state-level legislative action in 2026. Top issues include scope of practice, Medicaid policy pressures, and physician workforce challenges.

"Across the country, physicians are bracing for a year of consequential policy decisions that will directly affect patient care," said AMA CEO and Executive Vice President John Whyte, MD. "This survey shows that state medical societies are united around protecting patient safety, strengthening Medicaid, and addressing a workforce crisis that is straining access to care. Through our new State Advocacy Accelerator Grant Program, the AMA is delivering targeted resources to help physicians drive real impact at the state level and advance smart, evidence-based policies that put patients first."

The top concern among the polled physician organizations is scope of practice, cited by 89 percent of respondents. Many anticipate new legislation from non-physician groups seeking expanded independent practice and prescription authority, with physicians emphasizing the need to protect patient safety and the integrity of team-based care.

Medicaid remains another pressing policy focus, as 72 percent of respondents plan vigorous engagement in Medicaid-related legislation. Key priorities common among many include enhancing physician reimbursement, stabilizing program funding, simplifying administrative processes, and adapting to federally mandated community engagement requirements. These issues are seen as central to high quality care and patient access.

Physician workforce shortages continue to challenge states, with 67 percent of respondents prioritizing solutions. Among the solutions many are expected to propose include expanding residency slots, improving graduate medical education funding, and supporting loan repayment programs. The need to remedy post-pandemic maldistribution and shortages remain acute.

Medical licensure and telehealth also rank high, as 67 percent of respondents plan to work on selected issues that range from establishing new licensing pathways for internationally trained physicians, promoting the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, and increasing flexibility for cross-state telehealth care.

Public health, often marked by ongoing political polarization, remains a top-five priority with vaccination policy, reproductive health, tobacco control, and end-of-life care among key focus areas.

The survey additionally highlights the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) as a major 2026 effort for most medical societies. Top issues include the Rural Health Transformation Program, Medicaid enrollment and eligibility rules, provider tax changes, and marketplace affordability.

Other critical issues set to shape the policy landscape include private payer reform-such as prior authorization and payment transparency-and regulatory responses to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and technological innovation in health care.

The survey underscores a unified and urgent call from physician organizations for policy solutions and AMA stands ready to help with expert resources and guidance, including the new AMA State Advocacy Accelerator Grant Program. State medical societies are eligible to apply for AMA grants to accelerate and advance state advocacy campaigns that protect patients, strengthen the practice of medicine, support physicians, and improve health care delivery. For additional grant program information, state medical societies can contact the AMA Advocacy Resource Center.

The AMA is dedicated to fighting for physicians through robust state-level advocacy in collaboration with state and specialty medical societies to address critical issues and strengthen physician's role in shaping effective, patient-centered state health policy.