Investing In A 21st Century Health Workforce: A Call For Accountability

Abstract

The US health workforce is receiving a massive boost in federal investment under the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Included provisions will allow states to receive higher federal matching funds through Medicaid, adding approximately $12.7 billion over the next year to strengthen the workforce for home- and community-based services; rural health providers will see an additional $8.5 billion in Provider Relief Fund dollars; more than $7.0 billion will be invested to expand, train, and retain the public health workforce; $1.55 billion will be allocated to expand critical programs that strengthen the workforce in underserved communities and address unmet health care needs; and nearly $250.0 million will be used to strengthen behavioral health workforce capacity. This infusion of health workforce investments comes on the heels of substantial provider support already allocated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and is likely to be followed by additional investments under the infrastructure plan proposed by President Joe Biden.

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