On behalf of our members and the millions of Americans they serve, Advocates for Community Health (ACH) applauds Congresswoman Robin Kelly for introducing the Health Equity and Accountability Act. We are particularly encouraged by the inclusion of provisions for a Pay for Equity strategy and advisory council, a policy priority that ACH has been urging Congressional leaders to take action on since our inception. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that equity is at the core of all health care payment models by 2025.  Congresswoman Kelly’s office has been instrumental in pushing this language forward.

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across the country have been health equity hubs for decades. They bring comprehensive, culturally competent care to underserved populations with a hyper-local lens that makes them uniquely positioned to build healthier communities. At ACH, we know that there are many ways our federal legislators can help to put equity at the center of our nation’s health care system and we are committed to advocating for legislation that will remove the barriers that prevent marginalized patient groups from being healthy. We are grateful for leaders in Congress and the Administration who are championing policies that design a future where health equity is a reality for all Americans. We believe FQHCs will continue to play a crucial part in this work and ACH stands ready to be a partner and resource as we craft the future of health care together.

“We applaud Congresswoman Kelly’s leadership and commitment to increasing access to quality, comprehensive care for underserved populations nationwide,” said Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO of Advocates for Community Health. “We are particularly encouraged by the inclusion of language ACH has been strongly advocating for regarding the development of a Pay for Equity strategy to incentivize interventions and documented health equity outcomes. We very much support this work which can ensure equity is at the core of all health care payment models by 2025. Federally qualified health centers across the country provide care to nearly 29 million patients each year and as health equity hubs, are uniquely positioned to help build healthier communities. We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Kelly and leaders in Congress to design a future where health equity is a reality for all Americans.”