Reintroduction of the EMPOWER for Health Act to Diversify Healthcare Workforce and Expand Access to Healthcare Services

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has reintroduced the EMPOWER for Health Act, a legislation designed to increase access to healthcare in underserved areas and diversify the healthcare workforce to meet the needs of diverse populations. The bill aims to reauthorize Title VII funding for key workforce training programs to help meet the healthcare needs of the entire population. It also promotes diversity in healthcare workforce, encourages enrollment in primary care, geriatric, and dentistry programs, and provides loan repayment for healthcare professionals who agree to work in pediatric medicine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EMPOWER for Health Act will reauthorize the Title VII health professions education and training programs from Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2030.
  • The bill will provide loan repayment for healthcare professionals who agree to work at least two years in pediatric medicine.
  • It will promote diversity in healthcare workforce and encourage enrollment in primary care, geriatric, and dentistry programs.
  • The legislation will also strengthen primary care, expand pipeline programs for underrepresented students, and enhance workforce readiness across disciplines and geographies.
  • The National Hispanic Medical Association, the American Geriatrics Society, and the National Association for Geriatric Education have expressed support for the bill, citing its importance in advancing health equity and addressing the geriatrics workforce shortage.
  • The Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) and Geriatrics Academic Career Awards (GACA) Program are the only federal programs designed to meet the care gap created by the shortage of geriatrics health professionals.
  • Only 6,580 geriatric physicians are currently practicing in the U.S., well short of meeting the current and future care needs of the aging population.

Statistics:

  • 6,580 geriatric physicians are currently practicing in the U.S. (HHS estimate)
  • The EMPOWER for Health Act will reauthorize Title VII funding from Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2030.
  • The bill will provide loan repayment for healthcare professionals who agree to work at least two years in pediatric medicine.
  • The National Hispanic Medical Association has endorsed the EMPOWER for Health Act.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives -- Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois) Full Text of Bill (PDF)
  • National Hispanic Medical Association statement in support of the EMPOWER for Health Act.
  • American Geriatrics Society statement in support of the EMPOWER for Health Act.
  • National Association for Geriatric Education statement in support of the EMPOWER for Health Act.