Leveling The Health Care Field
Congressional Members Introduce Legislation To Address Disparities In Health Care System
Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer and Anthony G. Brown
Congress Members Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), and Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the Health Enterprise Zones Act to close the gaps in the health care system that has left behind minorities and underserved communities. The coronavirus pandemic has laid bare disparities in health care along racial and geographic lines. The bill creates incentives to attract health care practitioners to work in health-disadvantaged communities.
Data consistently shows COVID-19 disproportionately impacting communities of color. People of color are more likely to be uninsured and are at a higher risk of asthma, hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. In 2017, African Americans were 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease and have 2.3 times the infant mortality rate compared to non-Hispanic whites.
“With its disproportionate impact on people of color, the coronavirus pandemic has raised awareness of long-standing health disparities among African Americans and other minority communities in Maryland. These health disparities have been made worse by our nation’s criminal justice, education, housing, and employment policies, among other areas of public policy,” said Hoyer. “The Health Enterprise Zones Act would incentivize health care providers to ensure our communities receive the care they deserve and take steps to address racial disparities that plague our communities. I applaud Congressman Brown for introducing this critically important legislation, and I look forward to working with him to pass this long-needed bill.”
“For far too long, communities of color and underserved populations have faced unacceptable barriers in our health care system. From access, to diagnosis, treatment and ultimate medical outcomes - these disparities have resulted in preventable deaths and hardship for families. That status quo is unacceptable,” said Congressman Brown. “We need long term solutions to address the inequities that have plagued our society for far too long. This legislation will begin to right those and work toward providing the quality, affordable health care that all Americans deserve.”
In 2013, a similar initiative was launched in Maryland. Participating communities saw a decrease of more than 18,000 inpatient stays by 2016. This reduction in hospital admissions yielded a net health savings of over $108 million, far outweighing the $15 million it cost to implement the program.
Incentives included in this legislation for health care practitioners include tax credits for the employer and employee, student loan repayment, federal grants, and a 10 percent bonus on Medicare reimbursements.
These organizations have endorsed the Health Enterprise Zones Act: Families USA, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, American Heart Association, CLASP, the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, the American Public Health Association, and CASA.
