I am pleased to announce that I have cosponsored the Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013 (H.R. 702), introduced by Congressman Bruce Bailey of Iowa. Many Americans do not readily have access to health care services, and this legislation creates a Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program that will help people in underserved areas get the care they need.
This program encourages health care professionals to practice in underserved areas by helping them repay their student loans. Health care professionals receive this aid in exchange for providing frontline care for two years in designated scarcity areas, where there is little to no access to these services. The program provides various services that range from general surgery to physical therapy to ophthalmology to speech language pathology, among many others.
I am cosponsoring this legislation because everyone should have access to health care services regardless of where they live. In the weeks and months ahead, I will continue urging my colleagues to take up this important bill.