The U.S. House of Representatives released new bill text of the Build Back Better Act – also referred to as the reconciliation package.
While the legislation is not final and its passage is not certain, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is optimistic that its priorities are well reflected – including investments in the primary care workforce, health equity, expanding health coverage, addressing vaccine confidence, and strengthening our public health infrastructure.
One notable addition in the most recent version of the bill is 4,000 new graduate medical education (GME) residency slots, and the stipulation that at least 25% of these slots be allocated to primary care. There is also a reporting requirement to ensure that these new slots address physician shortages in vulnerable communities.