American Jobs Plan
03/31/2021
The following is a statement by Randall Rutta, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Council:
Access. Independence. Equity. As the united voice for the 160 million Americans with chronic diseases and disabilities, the National Health Council (NHC) applauds the White House for releasing the American Jobs Plan to improve our nation’s infrastructure and spur economic recovery. Several of the provisions will address the health and well-being of people with chronic diseases and disabilities. Specifically, the plan would:
- Help more people with chronic conditions and disabilities get the care they need in the place they want to be by expanding access to Medicaid home and community-based services;
- Provide states with funds to help more people live their lives in their community, versus having to live in a facility to get the care they need, by extending the Money Follows the Person program;
- Increase access to and improve the quality of care for millions of men and women who served our country by modernizing of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics;
- Improve access to information and services such as telehealth for people with chronic conditions and disabilities in rural and underserved communities by achieving universal broadband access by 2030; and
- Invest in infrastructure to increase community access to critical supports, such as transportation, housing, and clean water, that lead to better health for all.
We understand that a second set of proposals is coming soon, and look forward to working with the Administration. We hope these provisions will help strengthen insurance marketplaces and address health disparities, which are key to providing sustainable, affordable, high-value, and equitable health care for all Americans.