House Passes Lower Costs, More Transparency Act
Published December 18, 2023
By AACOM Government Relations
Advocacy Appropriations Federal Policy GME GME Funding Healthcare Workforce OME Advocate
On December 11, 2023, the House passed the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) with a 320-71 vote. The bill requires healthcare professionals and insurers to disclose healthcare cost information and establishes requirements for payment methodologies under Medicare and Medicaid. It also provides crucial funding to three programs vital to osteopathic medicine, primary care and patients in rural and underserved areas. It extends:
- The THCGME program for seven years and increases annual funding from the current $125 million to $175 million in FY24 rising to $300 million in FY28, 29 and 30
- The CHC Fund through calendar year 2025 and increases funding by $400 million to $4.4 billion per year
- The NHSC through calendar year 2025 and increases funding by $40 million to $350 million
These important programs support osteopathic medical students who are pursuing primary care in rural communities and are key to expanding patient access to primary care. AACOM thanks the almost 50 advocates who joined us in urging Congress to take action on this important issue.