Pallone Applauds Bicameral Public Health Program Funding Agreement
Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Secures Significant Increases in Funding for Community Health Centers and the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program as well as Permanent Medicaid Coverage of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after the announcement of a bicameral funding agreement for public health care programs:
“I am pleased to announce we were able to secure a 10 percent increase in funding for Community Health Centers, which provide vital services and care to millions of Americans every year. In addition, we secured a 17 percent increase in funding for the National Health Service Corps, increased funding for the Special Diabetes Program and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, and an incredible 56 percent increase in funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program—a critical investment in the future of our nation’s health care workforce. All of these programs will be extended until December 31, 2024.
“I am also thrilled that we were able to secure permanent Medicaid coverage for medication-assisted treatment to help those struggling with substance use disorder as well as new Medicaid enrollment protections for individuals involved in the justice system. Importantly, the agreement also helps address cuts to Medicare physician fee reimbursements.
“While I’m disappointed this is not a long-term funding agreement, I’m committed to returning to the negotiating table for additional funding as well as to advance the House-passed Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support in these negotiations and look forward to seeing President Biden sign these important investments in our nation’s health and well-being into law in the coming days.”