Bill 118 HR 1029, also known as the Territories Health Equity Act of 2023, aims to address disparities in healthcare access and quality in the US territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The bill recognizes that residents of these territories face unique challenges in accessing healthcare services due to limited resources and funding.
The Territories Health Equity Act of 2023 seeks to improve healthcare outcomes in the territories by increasing funding for Medicaid programs, expanding access to telehealth services, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure. The bill also aims to address shortages of healthcare providers in the territories by providing incentives for healthcare professionals to practice in these underserved areas.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve data collection and reporting on healthcare outcomes in the territories, in order to better understand and address the specific healthcare needs of residents. The Territories Health Equity Act of 2023 also emphasizes the importance of culturally competent care and language access for residents of the territories.
Overall, Bill 118 HR 1029 is a comprehensive effort to promote health equity and improve healthcare access and quality for residents of the US territories. By addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities, the bill aims to ensure that all Americans, regardless of where they live, have access to high-quality healthcare services.