DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced new legislation to address the primary care provider shortage and strengthen the healthcare workforce. The bipartisan Train More Primary Care Doctors Act, co-led by U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), would reauthorize federal grants to support training more primary care providers.
“Our healthcare system is only as strong as the people who serve on the frontlines,” said Rep. Nunn. “The current primary care provider shortage is hurting Iowa families’ ability to get the care they need. We urgently need to address this growing crisis so that every Iowan, no matter where they live, can access quality, affordable healthcare.”
Primary care serves a critical role as the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical care. By building long-term relationships with patients, primary care providers (PCPs) gain a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s medical history and unique needs.
“Every American in every community deserves access to quality, affordable primary healthcare, which has proven to cut down on chronic illnesses and expensive hospital visits,” said Rep. Cleaver. “However, far too many communities, particularly in rural areas, are struggling to attract or maintain the level of primary care doctors needed to support their populations. As a Co-Chair of the Midwest Crossroads Caucus, I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Train More Primary Care Doctors Act with my fellow Co-Chair to strengthen America’s primary care workforce and ensure every family has access to the care they need, regardless of their zip code.”
Unfortunately, our country is grappling with a growing shortage of PCPs. According to a recent U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) report, the shortage is projected to exceed 87,000 by 2037. Due to the shortage, which particularly impacts rural areas, patients may experience longer wait times, delayed diagnoses, and worsening conditions.
“Investing in the primary care workforce is essential for keeping communities healthy and thriving,” said Aaron Todd, CEO of the Iowa Primary Care Association. “As we have seen workforce shortages across the country, including all across Iowa, it is imperative we continue to support those who dedicate their careers to helping others. Primary care is the foundation for driving down healthcare costs and addressing chronic conditions, and we applaud Representative Nunn for leading this effort to support investments in primary care training.”
The Primary Care Training and Enhancement grant program provides grants for training new primary care physicians and physician assistants. These loans can be used by hospitals, schools of medicine, and physician assistant programs to develop or operate programs to train primary care providers. Unless it is reauthorized, the program will expire at the end of 2025.
The Train More Primary Care Doctors Act would reauthorize the Primary Care Training and Enhancement grant program at $49.924 million per year through FY30.
Text of the bill can be found here. Rep. Nunn introduced the bipartisan legislation at a press conference at Primary Health Care in Des Moines.
###