(08-04-08) The Senate passed the Health Care Safety Net Act of 2009 (S. 901) by unanimous consent, reauthorizing three programs that provide healthcare services for rural and underserved areas. Introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy, this legislation authorizes $12.9 billion through 2012 for Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps and rural health care outreach services.
This legislation will ensure that rural and underserved areas continue to receive much-needed healthcare services. The National Health Service Corps program united communities in need with health care professionals, some of whom may be placed in the a Community Health Center. The rural health outreach grants provide for the expanded delivery of health care services and the planning and implementation of integrated health care networks in rural areas.
The House passed similar legislation in June. However, for it to become law, either the House and Senate must hold a conference or the House must pass the Senate version. The House did not reauthorize all three programs in one bill, choosing instead to split it into two bills.