MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced four grants totaling $2,525,665 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I am pleased to see these substantial investments in our world-renown medical research institutions. The work undertaken with this funding will lead to new discoveries and potentially save lives.”

One grant to St. Jude, from the National Cancer Institute for Dr. Asya Agulnik for $665,701. This grant is to better understand how capacity at clinics, and the resources needed for a clinical intervention, like certain surgeries or medications, impact Pediatric Early Warning Systems which help detect worsening symptoms in children with cancer. More than 90 percent of children with cancer live in areas with low access to resources and survival there is only around 20 percent. A second grant to St. Jude, for $614,231, is for diabetes and kidney disease research for work directed by Dr. Jian Xu. The grant is from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,  Dr. Xu’s work seeks to better understand an underappreciated and under-studied portion of the genetic code, called retrotransposons – a portion of our genetic code which can move to different parts of the chromosomes and regulate other genes. A certain type of these retrotransposons, called the L1 are required for the propagation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Better understanding how these elements function will help in the development of new drugs for this type of cancer.  

UTHSC will receive a grant of $642,758 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for research into the social environment-associated effects of nicotine which encourages use. Dr. Chen’s work specifically examines a portion of the brain, called the amygdala, which plays a central role in fear responses, amongst other functions. This project will study a certain gene, and its network of other biochemical reactions, which are associated with a greater likelihood for a person to continue using nicotine. The research is under the direction of Dr. Hao Chen. A second grant to UTHSC, for $602,975, is from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for research on kidney function and blood pressure in aging. It is under the direction of Dr. Zhongjie Sun, director of the UT-Methodist Cardiovascular Institute. Dr. Sun’s team will study whether the release of exosomes – a ‘package’ of proteins, DNA, RNA, and lipids used to ‘communicate’ from one cell to another – released by a type of kidney cells, play a role in the regulation of kidney function and blood pressure. Dr. Sun’s group will also investigate how the reduced release of these exosomes contribute to age-related kidney dysfunction and hypertension. This project will further our understanding of kidney disease and is essential for the development of novel therapeutics. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

• For two years, Ways and Means Republicans held hearings across the country to understand the benefits of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, also known as the “Trump Tax Cuts.”
• The first field hearing was held in Petersburg, West Virginia in February 2023, where committee members heard from small business owners.
• In April 2024, as part of Ways and Means Republicans’ preparation for passage of a tax package, Congresswoman Miller was chosen to lead the Supply Chains Tax Team.
• On May 14, 2025, the Ways and Means Committee held an 18-hour-long markup to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill to the floor of the House of Representatives.
• On May 22, 2025, the House of Representatives voted to send the One Big Beautiful Bill to the United States Senate.
• On July 1, 2025, the United States Senate passed an updated version of the One Big Beautiful Bill and sent it back to the House of Representatives for final passage.
• On July 3, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the Senate’s updated version of the bill. It was then signed into law by President Donald Trump. 

 
Wins for Southern West Virginia:

• Makes permanent the 199A Small Business Deduction, which will benefit the small businesses that make up over 98% of West Virginia’s economy.
• Includes Congresswoman Miller’s Saving Gig Economy Taxpayers Act, which reverts the 1099-K reporting threshold to $20,000 and 200 transactions. This will keep gig workers like hair dressers, uber drivers, and craftsmen selling products online from being harassed by the IRS if they don’t owe taxes.
• Adds metallurgical coal as a critical mineral within the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X), which will bolster coal production.
• Extends the Hydrogen Tax Credit (45V) until January 1, 2028, which will help West Virginia’s ARCH2 project and keep investment and jobs in the state.
• Creates a $50 billion Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund to ensure rural hospitals are able to provide high-quality care to patients.
• Increases the Child Tax Credit by $200 and increases the credit to inflation and expands the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to support parents.
• Preserves and boosts the standard deduction by up to $1,500 for working families. In West Virginia, over 97% of filers utilize the standard deduction.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter leads resolution thanking ICE for their service and helping TSA airport lines

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), alongside Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Wesley Hunt (R-TX) today introduced a resolution recognizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for their service in safeguarding communities nationwide and for going above and beyond their duties by assisting overworked Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at airports.

Amid the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, thousands of TSA agents worked unpaid, and hundreds quit, causing airport chaos during one of the busiest travel seasons. Airline passengers faced lines lasting more than 4 hours at major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Because Democrats refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security, President Donald Trump directed ICE agents to step in to enhance airport security, screen passengers, and even hand out water to those in hours-long lines, dramatically reducing wait times.
 

“Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stand against America’s illegal immigration epidemic, protecting the safety and security of communities across our nation. Since Democrats decided to play politics with the safety of American citizens by shutting down the Department of Homeland Security, ICE agents have gone above the call of duty, aiding overworked TSA agents who were missing paychecks,” said Rep. Carter. “I’ll forever stand with brave law enforcement officers in their mission to make America safer and for stepping in to ensure airline travelers reach business meetings, vacations, and important family events on time.”

“First, Socialist Democrats wanted to defund and abolish police. Now, they want to do it to ICE. It’s disgusting and anti-American.  I’ll always back our law enforcement—police officers and immigration enforcement. Proud to join Rep. Carter in backing ICE,” said Rep. Barr.

“The men and women of ICE stand on the frontlines every single day, enforcing the law, dismantling criminal networks, and protecting the safety and sovereignty of the United States. Their mission is clear: defend our homeland and uphold the rule of law that keeps our communities secure,” said Rep. Hunt. “I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in support of this resolution, sending an unmistakable message: we will not waver from the principles that put President Trump in the White House; secure borders, safe communities, and the restoration of law and order.”

Read the resolution here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act to designate the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas, as a National Historic Landmark. The site served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad prior to and during the U.S. Civil War.

“The Quindaro Townsite is an important piece of the regional history in eastern Kansas and western Missouri – and its legacy must be preserved for the generations still to come,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By designating Quindaro as a National Historic Landmark, we can ensure the story of those who resided on these grounds lives on through the locals and tourists who visit every day, spreading the inspiring story of Americans who fought to ensure the United States lives up to its highest ideals. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Reps. Schmidt and Davids, and I look forward to working with them to ensure it is passed into law.”

“Quindaro holds an important place in the history of our region and nation,” said Rep. Schmidt. “Designating the site as a National Historic Landmark would ensure its legacy is properly preserved and recognized for generations to come. I’m honored to lead this bill and join my fellow Kansas City-area lawmakers in supporting Quindaro.”

“Quindaro was a place of courage, hope, and resilience — a sanctuary for those risking everything for freedom. Designating this site as a National Historic Landmark has been long overdue and would ensure future generations can learn from the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before us. I’m proud to join Representatives Schmidt and Cleaver in this bipartisan effort to protect our Kansas City history and honor Quindaro’s legacy,” said Rep. Davids.

National Historic Landmarks are designated through the National Park Service System Advisory Board or an official act of Congress. Last May, the National Historic Landmarks Committee unanimously recommended Quindaro Townsite for designation as a National Historic Landmark, however the administrative process has since stalled. This bill would bypass the administrative process and designate the site by congressional action.

Founded in 1857, Quindaro emerged as a beacon for Free-State advocates during the turbulent “Bleeding Kansas” era. Strategically located along the Missouri River, it served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad. The town’s establishment was a collaborative effort among the Wyandot Nation, New England abolitionists, and African American settlers, exemplifying a unique and harmonious multicultural alliance during a period marked by division and conflict.

Beyond its pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement, Quindaro became a nucleus for post-Civil War African American advancement. The establishment of the Quindaro Freedman’s School, later known as Western University, marked a significant milestone as the first Black school west of the Mississippi River. Institutions like Douglass Hospital further underscored the town’s commitment to education and healthcare within the African American community.

Archaeological excavations have unveiled a wealth of artifacts, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives of Quindaro’s diverse inhabitants. The site’s preserved foundations and structures provide a tangible connection to this rich history. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002, Quindaro’s significance has been further acknowledged through its designation as a National Commemorative Site in 2019—which Congressman Cleaver supported with legislation introduced in the 115^th and 116^th Congresses.

Official text of the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

DelBene, Beyer Call for Immediate Release of Ahmed Douma

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, hosted her second Capitol Hill briefing with transit agencies from across the country to highlight the critical role transportation will play in ensuring the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Earlier this year, the U.S. House passed $100 million to help transit agencies cover costs associated with hosting the matches.

“The FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our communities and our country on a global stage, and strong, reliable transit systems will be key to making that happen,” said Davids. “I’m proud to bring partners together to make sure transit agencies have the resources they need to move people safely and efficiently while supporting the economic benefits this event will bring to regions across the country. This is all about teamwork, on the field and off!”

“Safe and enjoyable sporting events across America begin with properly functioning transit agencies, and the 2026 World Cup is no exception,” said Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA-01). “Working with Representative Davids, we secured critical funding to support these agencies as they prepare to host the World Cup. I’m excited and proud of Georgia’s role as a host city for what’s on track to be the largest sporting event in history.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest sporting event in history, with the United States hosting 78 matches over 39 days across 11 cities in 9 states. Each host city will manage the matches and the daily celebrations and movement of tens of thousands of visitors. To meet FIFA’s requirements, each stadium must be supported by a nearby airport capable of handling at least 1,450 passengers per hour. The economic impact is expected to be significant — generating an estimated 185,000 full-time jobs nationwide, $30.5 billion in gross output, and $17.2 billion in GDP.

Today’s discussion brought together representatives from World Cup host cities to share the planning already underway, the anticipated challenges facing their transit systems, and the resources needed from all levels of government. With just months until the tournament, the discussion served as a call to action for coordinated, proactive investment in infrastructure and operations.

Speakers at today’s briefing featured seven transit agency leaders from World Cup host regions alongside Connor Torossian, Federal Transit Administration Associate Administrator of Communications and Congressional Affairs. The agencies included the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA), Virginia Transit Association (VTA), and New Jersey Transit.

Partner Quotes:

“The World Cup will test smaller transit systems like ours in ways we’ve never experienced before,” said Mary Ellen A DeFrias, Administrator, GATRA. “At GATRA, we’re preparing to move large volumes of visitors while still delivering the daily service our communities depend on. That requires unprecedented regional coordination with our partners at the other regional transportation authorities, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, and it depends on strong federal support to get it right.”

“Santa Clara County will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the World Cup, on top of the two million people who call the VTA service area home,” said Carolyn M. Gonot, General Manager, VTA. “It is our responsibility to provide the greatest transit customer experience and put VTA’s best foot forward as we welcome the world. We are grateful for our strong, decades-long relationship with our federal partners.”

“Public transportation is the backbone of how Miami-Dade will deliver a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the largest global events in history,” said Stacy L. Miller, P.E., Director, Miami-Dade County DTPW. “We’ve already seen our system rise to the occasion, from managing ridership surges during the inaugural games at Nu Stadium to moving tens of thousands seamlessly during Ultra Music Festival. Our experience, combined with the investments we’re making, ensures we are ready to deliver a safe, reliable, and efficient transit experience as we welcome the world to Miami.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“Haiti is overrun by criminal gangs, who kidnap women and girls, extort residents for protection money, and kill with impunity. We must preserve their TPS and protect their lives and safety,” said Wasserman Schultz. “As a descendent of immigrants who fled repression and antisemitism, I’ll always fight for law-abiding immigrant families who fled desperate circumstances and who work hard, pay taxes, pass criminal background checks, and contribute to our economy and communities.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) released the following statement in response to the administration’s proposed budget, which outlines the president’s funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and serves as a starting point for Congress as it begins the appropriations process:

“The administration’s budget proposal takes direct aim at the programs South Texans count on.

“It would eliminate Community Development Block Grants, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing. That means fewer affordable homes get built, street and water projects get cancelled, and local communities lose the tools they need to grow their economies.

“It would also cut $1.4 billion from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program helps mothers and young children afford healthy food. Across South Texas, it helps families stretch grocery budgets and keeps children on track during critical stages of development. The Republican’s budget adds to the cuts already made in the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and makes food even less affordable. These proposed changes would reduce the monthly WIC fruit and vegetable benefit from $54 to $13 for breastfeeding mothers and from $27 to $10 for young children. That takes fresh, healthy food out of the mouths of mothers and their children. That’s wrong, and it’s not American.

“The proposal would eliminate the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps families manage high electricity bills during extreme Texas heat. In our state, that support helps people keep the lights on and their homes safe during the hottest months of the year.

“It would eliminate Community Services Block Grants, cutting off direct support to families that helps reduce poverty and promote self-sufficiency.

“The budget would also cut $6 billion from the National Institutes of Health and $2.5 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, limiting critical research for diseases like Alzheimer’s and weakening public health systems that support communities across South Texas.

“These decisions don’t make the need go away. They put more pressure on families and communities already dealing with higher costs.

“As a senior appropriator, I’ll continue to fight against these proposed cuts and work to protect the critical programs helping South Texas.”

The following represents a selection of cuts proposed in the Republican budget plan to departments/agencies:

• Cuts $10.7 billion from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Overall USDA discretionary budget cut of $4.9 billion
• Cuts Small Business Administration (SBA) funding by 51% ($513 million)

The following represents a selection of cuts proposed in the Republican budget plan to programs:

• Eliminates Community Development Block Grants
• Eliminates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
• Eliminates Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing
• Cuts $1.4 billion from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Reduces WIC fruit and vegetable benefits from $54 to $13 for breastfeeding mothers
• Reduces WIC fruit and vegetable benefits from $27 to $10 for young children
• Eliminates the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Eliminates Community Services Block Grants
• Cuts $6 billion from the National Institutes of Health
• Cuts $2.5 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eliminates housing counseling
• Cuts Project-Based Rental Assistance by $903 million
• Cuts Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly by $72 million
• Cuts Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities by $21 million
• Cuts homelessness assistance by $922 million
• Eliminates 12 K-12 funding streams, including English Language Acquisition programs
• Cuts higher education funding by 81% ($2.7 billion), including eliminating TRIO, GEAR UP, and SIP programs
• Cuts workforce development programs, including a 90% cut to Job Corps
• Eliminates the USDA Rural Housing Voucher Program
• Cuts USDA rural single family housing guaranteed loans by $5 billion
• Cuts USDA rural single family direct loans by $17 million

El congresista Cuellar rechaza la propuesta de presupuesto republicano que perjudicaría a los residentes del sur de Texas

Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el congresista estadounidense, el Dr. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta al presupuesto propuesto por la administración, el cual describe las prioridades de financiamiento del presidente para el próximo año fiscal y sirve como punto de partida para el Congreso al iniciar el proceso de asignaciones presupuestarias:

“La propuesta de presupuesto de la administración apunta directamente a los programas en los que los habitantes del sur de Texas confían.

“Eliminaría las Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario, el Programa de Asociaciones de Inversión HOME y el programa Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing. Eso significa que se construirán menos viviendas asequibles, se cancelarán proyectos de calles y agua, y las comunidades locales perderán las herramientas que necesitan para hacer crecer sus economías.

“También recortaría $1.4 mil millones del Programa Especial de Nutrición Suplementaria para Mujeres, Infantes y Niños (WIC). Este programa ayuda a las madres y a los niños pequeños a poder costear alimentos saludables. En todo el sur de Texas, ayuda a las familias a rendir más su presupuesto de alimentos y mantiene a los niños en buen camino durante etapas críticas de su desarrollo. El presupuesto republicano se suma a los recortes ya realizados en la llamada “Big Beautiful Bill” y hace que los alimentos sean aún menos accesibles. Estos cambios propuestos reducirían el beneficio mensual de frutas y verduras del WIC de $54 a $13 para madres que amamantan y de $27 a $10 para niños pequeños. Eso le quita alimentos frescos y saludables de la mesa de las madres y sus hijos. Eso está mal y no es americano.

“La propuesta eliminaría el Programa de Asistencia de Energía para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos (LIHEAP, por sus siglas en inglés), que ayuda a las familias a manejar las altas facturas de electricidad durante el calor extremo de Texas. En nuestro estado, ese apoyo ayuda a las personas a mantener las luces encendidas y sus hogares seguros durante los meses más calurosos del año.

“También eliminaría las Subvenciones en Bloque para Servicios Comunitarios, cortando el apoyo directo a las familias que ayuda a reducir la pobreza y promover la autosuficiencia.

“El presupuesto también recortaría $6 mil millones de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud y $2.5 mil millones de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, limitando la investigación crítica sobre enfermedades como el Alzheimer y debilitando los sistemas de salud pública que apoyan a las comunidades en todo el sur de Texas.

“Estas decisiones no hacen que la necesidad desaparezca. Ponen más presión sobre las familias y comunidades que ya enfrentan costos más altos.

“Como apropiador senior, continuaré luchando contra estos recortes propuestos y trabajaré para proteger los programas críticos que ayudan al sur de Texas.”

Lo siguiente representa una selección de recortes propuestos en el plan presupuestario republicano a departamentos/agencias:

• Recorta $10.7 mil millones del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD)
• Recorte general de $4.9 mil millones al presupuesto discrecional del USDA
• Reduce el financiamiento de la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA) en un 51% ($513 millones)

Lo siguiente representa una selección de recortes propuestos en el plan presupuestario republicano a programas:

• Elimina las Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario
• Elimina el Programa de Asociaciones de Inversión HOME
• Elimina el programa Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing
• Recorta $1.4 mil millones del Programa Especial de Nutrición Suplementaria para Mujeres, Infantes y Niños (WIC)
• Reduce los beneficios de frutas y verduras del WIC de $54 a $13 para madres que amamantan
• Reduce los beneficios de frutas y verduras del WIC de $27 a $10 para niños pequeños
• Elimina el Programa de Asistencia de Energía para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos
• Elimina las Subvenciones en Bloque para Servicios Comunitarios
• Recorta $6 mil millones de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud
• Recorta $2.5 mil millones de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades
• Elimina la asesoría de vivienda
• Recorta la Asistencia de Alquiler Basada en Proyectos en $903 millones
• Recorta la Vivienda de Apoyo de la Sección 202 para Adultos Mayores en $72 millones
• Recorta la Vivienda de Apoyo de la Sección 811 para Personas con Discapacidades en $21 millones
• Recorta la asistencia para personas sin hogar en $922 millones
• Elimina 12 fuentes de financiamiento para educación K-12, incluyendo programas de adquisición del idioma inglés
• Recorta el financiamiento para educación superior en un 81% ($2.7 mil millones), incluyendo la eliminación de los programas TRIO, GEAR UP y SIP
• Recorta programas de desarrollo laboral, incluyendo un recorte del 90% a Job Corps
• Elimina el Programa de Vales de Vivienda Rural del USDA
• Recorta los préstamos garantizados para vivienda rural unifamiliar del USDA en $5 mil millones
• Recorta los préstamos directos para vivienda rural unifamiliar del USDA en $17 millones

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Mike Kelly (PA-16) introduced the Chronic Care Management Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would facilitate better care management for the more than 22 million Medicare patients with two or more chronic diseases. Chronic care management has been proven to lower patient costs and improve health outcomes, but the practice remains underutilized because of Medicare’s payment structure. 

Chronic care management services are provided on the back end between providers but currently require a 20% cost-share from patients. This prevents many seniors from utilizing this service. The cost is a financial barrier, but it also confuses patients who don’t understand why they are charged for it. 

“Removing barriers to chronic care management is key to lowering health care costs and delivering better results for seniors,” said DelBene. “Chronic health conditions account for 90% of national health care spending, yet too few seniors are receiving these incredibly impactful services. Dropping cost-sharing requirements would increase access to these services for more seniors.” 

“The Chronic Care Management Improvement Act aims to allow seniors to access important services to manage their health, free of co-pays,” said Kelly. “This bill helps doctors manage patient health behind the scenes, an essential tool in the preventative care toolbox.”

Chronic care management services are performed continuously and billed each month. While providers are required to get consent from their patients before providing these services, it is confusing for seniors to get a bill from their physician when they did not have an appointment. The coinsurance is small, usually around $12 per month, but providers must comply with Medicare rules and make an honest effort to collect that payment. 

Chronic care management can improve patient outcomes, but these services are sorely underutilized. Only 882,000 – or 4% of eligible patients – have received these services according to the latest data. The vast majority of patients are not benefiting from coordinated care. 

A 2017 Mathematica analysis found that overall expenditures for seniors receiving chronic care management services were significantly lower compared to those not receiving them. After 12 months, spending per beneficiary per month saw a $28 decrease compared to those who did not receive such services. When the lookback was extended to 18 months, the savings jumped up to $72 per beneficiary per month. 

Chronic care management services include: 

• Recording of patient information using certified EHR technology; 
• Providing 24/7 access to providers; 
• Designating a team member to schedule future appointments;
• Systematic assessment of the patient’s medical, functional, and psychosocial needs;
• Medication reconciliation and adherence;
• Creation of a comprehensive care plan;
• Transmission of documents to ensure continuity of care during care transitions;
• Coordination with home and community-based providers; and
• Enhancing communication options (secure messaging, etc.). 

This bipartisan legislation has been endorsed by health provider and patient advocacy groups, including Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, AARP, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, American Diabetes Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Group Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, America’s Essential Hospitals, America’s Physician Groups, Association of American Medical Colleges, Connected Health Initiative (CHI), Association for Competitive Technology (ACT), Cadence, Healthcare Leadership Council, Health Care Transformation Task Force, Mental Health America, Medical Group Management Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of ACOs, National Kidney Foundation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Rural Health Association, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, Premier Inc., Primary Care Collaborative, Primary Care Development Corporation, Remote Monitoring Leadership Council, TapestryHealth, and The Alliance for Connected Care.