Office of Rural Health Research and Policy—The Conference Report restores $9 million in funding for this important office within Health and Human Services which ensures that Rural America has a coordinated voice on national rural health issues.  In addition, the office plays a critical role in disseminating information to ensure rural citizens can make informed decisions about the new Medicare benefits.  This funding was not included in the original conference report and would provide the same amount as last year’s level and the budget request.   

 

Rural Health Outreach Grants—The Conference Report adds $28.5 million for Rural Health Outreach Grants, restoring funding to last year’s level.  The program received $10.8 million in the original conference report level and the President’s budget request.  This program is one the few federal grant programs that is solely focused on providing targeted, flexible resources to support innovative rural health solutions in communities across the country. 

 

Area Health Education Centers—The Conference Report restores funding for Area Health Education Centers to $29 million, the same as last year’s level.  The program received only $2 million in the original version of the conference report and nothing in the President’s budget request.  These centers provide education and training to health care professionals in community settings while encouraging them to work in rural areas. 

 

Medical Training—The Conference Report increases funding for several important program that encourage training and expand educational opportunities for current and future health care professionals.  Training in Primary Care and Dentistry will receive $13 million above the original conference report for a total of $41 million.  The President’s budget requested no funds for this program.  Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students are increased by $12 million over the original conference report for a total $47 million, the same as last year’s level and $37 million above the President’s budget request.  The Faculty Loan Repayment program is restored to last year’s level, $600,000 over the original version and $1.3 million above the budget request.