Schakowsky, Burgess Introduce EMPOWER For Health Act

Statement

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, and Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. today announced the introduction of H.R. 2781, the Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019. This legislation is designed to increase access to health care in underserved areas and diversify the health care providers to meet the needs of different populations. It will reauthorize the Title VII health professions education and training programs from Fiscal Year 2020 through Fiscal Year 2024.

"By 2032, the United States may face a shortage of over 100,000 physicians. And if health care access were equitable across race, health insurance coverage, and geographic location, we would require almost 100,000 more physicians today. That is unacceptable for our growing, aging population, for children, and for all vulnerable communities," said Congresswoman Schakowsky. "Today I am proud to introduce the bipartisan EMPOWER for Health Act, which will finally reauthorize critical Title VII funding to increase access to providers in underserved areas and ensure a more diverse health care workforce able to meet the needs of our entire population."

"By supporting physician workforce programs, the EMPOWER for Health Act of 2019 will ensure that patients in North Texas and around the country have access to skilled physicians and medical professionals -- regardless of where they live," said Congressman Burgess. "This legislation reauthorizes key Title VII funding, which increases access to physicians and other providers in underserved areas, and promotes training opportunities for physicians to maintain and improve their skills. This bipartisan legislation has broad support, and I urge the Energy and Commerce Committee to consider it soon."

Source