LIVE 10AM March 28 - Sen. Sanders and Rep. Clyburn Introduce Bill to Expand Community Health ...

[Donkees]

3. Adding some background info:

Sanders was instrumental in helping craft legislation to secure $11 billion in the Affordable Care Act that would expand access to community health centers for those who don't have access to a primary care physician.

An additional $1.5 billion went to the National Health Service Corps to provide funding and help repay loans of doctors who practice in underserved communities.

The legislation Sanders and Clyburn announced (in 2017), The Community Health Center and Primary Care Workforce Expansion Act, would expand on Sander's previous work by increasing funding for health centers from $5.1 billion to $12.5 billion over next 10 years.

"Today as we look at what's going on in health care in America, we're determined to do everything we can do to expand access to health care for the millions of Americans who absolutely need that care," said Sanders.

Sanders told reporters that if passed, the legislation would allow health centers to service twice as many people as it currently does.

Clyburn echoed Sanders comments, saying the health centers serve communities that few other providers serve, and by passing the legislation, lawmakers could help "build on the success of the Affordable Care Act and not turn back the clock."

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sanders-clyburn-announce-act-to-expand-community-health-center-funding/

First published on June 26, 2017