U.S. Rep. Schwartz Announces Major Bill to Improve Health Care

 

On Wednesday, May 20 U.S.  Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) will announce a major new bill to improve health care in America. Schwartz's bill, Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 (H.R. 2350), addresses the critical shortage of primary care providers in America. Primary care is at the core of America's health care system, and without a sufficient number of doctors, nurses and others providing primary care, Americans face long wait times to see their doctors and health care providers, as well as other obstacles to quality care. 

 

If new plans are not enacted to address the growing shortage of primary care providers, by 2025 America could face a catastrophic shortage of 46,000 primary care physicians.  Schwartz's plan to address the growing crisis in primary care takes a wide ranging approach, including establishing scholarship and loan repayment programs; increasing Medicare reimbursements to primary care providers; eliminating copayment for preventive care services in Medicare; and several other initiatives.

 

WHO: Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA-13)

American College of Physicians

American Nurses Association

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

American Academy of Family Physicians

Association of American Medical Colleges

National Physicians Alliance

American Osteopathic Association

American Academy of Pediatrics

 

WHEN: Wednesday, May 20, 1:00 p.m.

 

WHERE: Cannon Terrace, Cannon House Office Building

Independence Avenue and New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, D.C. 20515

 

MEDIA CONTACTS: David Kinsman (American College of Physicians), 202-261-4554 (office)