In politics, as in practice, timing matters. Over the past several decades, chiropractic has made major strides in education, research and public acceptance. But one area has consistently lagged behind: political influence. That gap, between who we are as a profession and how we are prioritized in Washington, D.C., has kept reimbursement limited, restricted patient access and left too many key decisions about our future in the hands of others.
That’s why BAC-PAC was created.
What Is BAC-PAC?
BAC-PAC (Better Access to Chiropractic PAC) is a federal super PAC dedicated to electing and supporting pro-chiropractic members of Congress. Unlike a traditional political-action committee, a super PAC can raise and spend unlimited funds independently to support or oppose candidates, most often through advertising, digital media and strategic communications.
This distinction matters. The chiropractic profession already engages in important federal political advocacy through traditional PACs, which operate within established contribution limits and build long-term legislative relationships. These PACs remain essential. BAC-PAC does not replace these efforts; it adds a powerful new tool to the arsenal.
In fact, BAC-PAC is the first and only super PAC in the chiropractic profession, giving us a way to act with scale, speed and independence in key elections across the country.
Put simply, BAC-PAC allows us to compete at the level where the real decisions are made.
Born From Strategy
BAC-PAC didn’t emerge in a vacuum. It was one of the core recommendations from the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan, a multi-year collaborative roadmap involving leaders, associations, educators, and stakeholders from across the country.
The message was clear: Our profession needed to stop playing defense and start building capacity to play offense. We needed a political strategy that matched the scope of our clinical contributions, and we needed a way to influence outcomes, not just educate about issues. BAC-PAC was created to meet that challenge.
Proof of Concept: The Jen Kiggans Win
In 2024, BAC-PAC had its first opportunity to act. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, a Navy veteran and nurse practitioner representing Virginia’s 2nd District, was running for re-election in one of the most competitive races in the country. She had shown strong support for veterans’ access to chiropractic care and stood firmly with our profession on key issues.
We knew we had an ally, and we knew her race would be close.
BAC-PAC developed and aired a 30-second ad across local television and digital platforms. The message was clear: Jen Kiggans fights for veterans, and that includes their access to chiropractic care. The ad ran in the final stretch of the campaign. And she won.
Was that ad the only reason she won? Of course not. But it helped shift the narrative, and it proved the concept: When chiropractic strategically invests in key political races, we can make a measurable difference.
Why It Matters Now
For decades, the chiropractic profession has been asking for greater access, fairer reimbursement, and recognition of the outcomes we deliver. But policy change doesn’t happen because it’s deserved. It happens when we have the infrastructure to win the support of decision-makers.
Other professions already have this. They’ve been investing in super PACs for years – and they’ve been reaping the rewards in policy, funding and access.
Until now, chiropractic hasn’t had that kind of tool. BAC-PAC changes that.
This isn’t about partisanship; it’s about the profession. BAC-PAC doesn’t support candidates based on party affiliation; it supports candidates who support chiropractic. Period. Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, if they vote with us, stand with us and advocate for our place in modern healthcare, we will support them.
What Comes Next Depends on Us
BAC-PAC has no dues-paying members. It has no insurance reimbursement. It runs on belief, commitment and contributions from people who know what’s at stake.
And that means the future of this effort depends entirely on all of us – not just the doctors in the trenches, but also the broader ecosystem of businesses, partners, educators, and vendors who benefit from a thriving chiropractic profession.
Let’s be clear: If you make your living because chiropractic exists, grows and succeeds – then you have a stake in this.
- Every adjusting table sold
- Every EHR subscription renewed
- Every CE seminar filled
- Every laser, orthotic, pillow, or software system that finds a home in a chiropractic office
All of it depends on a profession that is not just surviving, but thriving. And for that to happen, we must start investing in our political future with the same seriousness we invest in our clinical tools and business models.
Here’s how you can help:
- Contribute – Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, every dollar helps us expand our reach and build momentum. Vendors and businesses can give corporately.
- Spread the word – Share this initiative within your networks, at association meetings, company events or on social media. Awareness drives action.
- Make connections – If you know leaders, decision-makers or companies that should be supporting this work, connect them to us. Help us grow the coalition.
The profession’s future will be shaped by those who step up – not just with opinions, but with commitment.
The Takeaway
If you’ve ever asked yourself, Why isn’t chiropractic further ahead than it is?, this is part of the answer. And if you’ve ever wanted to do something about it, this is your opportunity.
We don’t need to wait for another decade to pass, another bill to stall or another opportunity to slip by.
We have the talent. We have the public support. We have the outcomes. Now we have the tool. Let’s build the political power to match the profession we’ve become.
Author’s Note: BAC-PAC is a super PAC dedicated to electing pro-chiropractic candidates to Congress. It is part of a broader strategy to help state associations and the chiropractic profession increase their political capacity and influence the passage of federal pro-chiropractic legislation. For more information, please visit www.betteraccesstochiropractic.com.
