H.R. 10078 (IH) – IHS Provider Expansion Act
Summary
The IHS Provider Expansion Act (H.R. 10078) is a bill introduced in the United States House of Representatives on October 27, 2023, by Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM). The bill aims to expand the workforce of health providers serving Native American and Alaska Native communities through scholarships and loan repayment programs.
Key Provisions
- IHS Provider Scholarships: The bill establishes a scholarship program for students pursuing degrees in health professions who commit to serving in Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities after graduation.
- IHS Provider Loan Repayment: The bill creates a loan repayment program for health professionals who agree to work in IHS facilities in underserved areas.
- Increased Funding for IHS Workforce Programs: The bill authorizes additional funding for IHS to support its workforce recruitment and retention efforts.
- Data Collection and Reporting: The bill requires IHS to collect and report data on the number of providers serving Native American and Alaska Native communities, as well as the need for additional providers.
Benefits
- Improved Access to Healthcare: By increasing the number of health providers in Native American and Alaska Native communities, the bill would improve access to essential healthcare services.
- Reduced Health Disparities: Native American and Alaska Native communities face significant health disparities compared to other populations. The bill aims to address these disparities by expanding the healthcare workforce.
- Economic Development: The bill would support economic development in Native American and Alaska Native communities by creating new jobs and stimulating the local economy.
Cost
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that the bill would cost $5.2 billion over the next 10 years. The CBO also found that the bill would increase the number of health providers serving Native American and Alaska Native communities by an estimated 1,300 over the same period.
Current Status
The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on October 27, 2023. It has not yet been scheduled for a hearing or a vote in the full House.
Support for the Bill
- National Indian Health Board (NIHB)
- Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP)
- National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
- Indian Health Service (IHS)
Opposition to the Bill
- No known opposition has been expressed.
Conclusion
The IHS Provider Expansion Act is a important bill that would address the critical need for health providers in Native American and Alaska Native communities. By expanding the workforce through scholarships and loan repayment programs, the bill would improve access to healthcare, reduce health disparities, and support economic development in these communities.
H.R. 10078 (IH) – IHS Provider Expansion Act
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Congressional Bills a new article on 2024-10-31 05:01 titled “H.R. 10078 (IH) – IHS Provider Expansion Act”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
27