Be sure to visit our “Health Reform” section for updated information and resources.

There have been many pieces of State and Federal legislation related to the health safety net in recent years. Some of the legislation is described below and all Federal legislation can be reviewed at http://thomas.loc.gov.

General Safety Net Legislation:
Federal Legislation:

2010

• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law March of 2010.  This law provides provisions that reform both the health insurance industry and the health delivery system.  For more information, visit our health reform section.

2009

• H.R.1: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Package): The Stimulus package included funds for Medicaid Assistance, Community Health Centers, temporary FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) increases, adoption of electronic health records and other health information technology, expansion of the health insurance program COBRA, and disease prevention.

2008

• S. 901: “Health Care Safety Net Act of 2008” Requires Comptroller General to conduct studies related to school and community health centers and reinstates Community Health Centers Program and Rural Health Care Programs.

Community Building/Coalitions for Safety Net Improvements:
Federal Legislation:

2006-2008

• S. 2065 (and H.R. 3561): “Community Coalitions for Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2007” Provides grants to community coalitions improving coordination of services, infrastructure, and other areas that strengthen the healthcare system

• H.R. 1683: “The Communities Building Access Act” (2007) Provides grants for multi-share health care coverage projects, specialty care volunteer referral systems, and information clearinghouse for community-initiated healthcare for the uninsured projects (passed and became law).

Proposed State Legislation:

• Washington S.B. 6459 (2006): Provides funding to collaborative community-based organizations that look to increase access to healthcare for Washington residents (Signed into Washington State Law)

Workforce Related Legislation:
Proposed Federal Legislation:

• S. 896: “Physician Shortage Elimination Act of 2007” Provides funds to medical students from disadvantaged backgrounds, residency programs in community health centers, students in the National Health Service Corps, and physicians practicing in shortage areas.

• H.R. 7065: “Health Workforce Investment Act of 2008” Creates a National Health Workforce Advisory Council and National Center for Health Workforce Information and Analysis

• H.R. 7302 and S. 3708: “Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act” (2008) Supports and funds wide-range of health care professionals and students to increase diversity and quality of health workforce serving in public and disadvantaged areas

Information Technology Legislation:
Proposed Federal  Legislation:

• H.R. 3800: “Promoting Health Information Technology Act” Advances adoption of national interoperable health information technology

Finance/Coverage-related Legislation:
Proposed Federal Legislation:

• S. 2188: “Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act of 2007” Changes the Social Security Act to provide a prospective payment system instead of a reasonable cost-based reimbursement method for Medicare-covered services

• S. 2347: “Prevention Through Affordable Access Act”(2007) Restores and protects access to discounted prescription drugs in university-based clinics and safety-net clinics.

Proposed State Legislation:

• California S.B. 973: Creates the CA Health Benefits Service Program to support joint ventures that create integrated networks of public health plans to pool risks and share networks for expanding coverage of uninsured/underserved. (Vetoed by Governor in 2008)