Reps. Cleaver, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Primary Care Workforce

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Zach Nunn (R-IA) introduced new legislation to address America’s primary care provider shortage and strengthen the healthcare workforce. The bipartisan Train More Primary Care Doctors Act would strengthen the pipeline of primary care providers by reauthorizing grant funding to support the training of more primary care providers nationwide. Moreover, the bill would codify an additional $1,000,000 to support training for eating disorder screening and referrals.

“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.”

“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. 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 health conditions.

The Primary Care Training and Enhancement grant program provides grants for training new primary care physicians and physician assistants. These awards 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, including a $1,000,000 increase to support training for eating disorder screening and referrals.

Official text of the Train More Primary Care Doctors Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.