Bill > HR8629

This bill, titled the Developing the Community Health Workforce Act of 2026, aims to improve healthcare access in rural and underserved areas by strengthening the health center workforce. It prioritizes applications for health professionals serving Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics, which are facilities providing essential primary care services in underserved communities. The bill establishes a loan repayment program for healthcare professionals working at FQHCs, helping to attract and retain staff by assisting with their student loan debt. It also creates grants for health centers to recruit, train, and support their community-based workforce, including offering career advancement opportunities. To further bolster the pipeline of healthcare professionals, the bill allows FQHCs to register as apprenticeship programs and provides grants to institutions of higher education, such as community colleges and minority-serving institutions, to partner with health centers for training students in various health professions, including clinical, IT, and operational roles. Additionally, it supports training programs for behavioral health specialists within health centers. The bill also expands Medicare and Medicaid coverage for services provided by behavioral health professionals and case managers at FQHCs, and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and provide guidance on how states adjust payments to FQHCs. Finally, it enhances graduate medical education by allowing hospitals to increase their resident physician limits if a significant portion of their training occurs at an FQHC, thereby encouraging more doctors to train in these vital community settings.