Health Disparities
Several groups of lawmakers are working on legislation to address health disparities. The Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act (H.R. 3561) was introduced in the House July 28, 2005 by the Congressional Black, Hispanic and Asian Pacific American Caucuses. The bill is similar to the one introduced last year. Among its provisions are new demonstration programs for decreasing language barriers, increasing cultural competence and increasing data collection.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is working on a bipartisan measure which they expect to introduce in September. Senators Gregg, Frist, Hatch, Kennedy, Bingaman and Clinton are leading this effort.
