Five US Congress Members Relaunch Congressional Primary Care Caucus During State of Primary Care Briefing

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) relaunched the bipartisan Congressional Primary Care Caucus.

The Caucus, which was first created by Congressman Rouzer and Congressman Courtney in 2015, aims to educate Congress on the importance of a comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, and connected primary care system for patients and communities nationwide.

The Caucus’ relaunch was announced at the organization’s first official event of the year, a briefing on the State of Primary Care in America.  The briefing featured industry stakeholders from the Bipartisan Policy Center, Primary Care Collaborative, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and Urban Health Plan who emphasized the critical role primary care plays in improving health outcomes and reducing preventable healthcare costs.

The group discussed ways policymakers can work to ensure Americans have access to affordable, high-quality primary care services in rural and medically underserved areas.

Statements from involved members of Congress and involved organizations:

“Tens of thousands of families across the country, including many of my constituents in rural Southeastern North Carolina, face a shortage in primary care physicians to address health issues early before they become advanced,” said Rep. Rouzer.  “I’m proud to join my colleagues in relaunching the bipartisan Primary Care Caucus to ensure our healthcare system focuses on patients and brings primary care closer to home. Thank you to each of our participants for joining us to help craft solutions where patients receive the very best care at the lowest possible price.”

“As the only geriatric nurse practitioner in Congress, I am proud to serve as a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Primary Care Caucus,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I look forward to working with Representatives Blunt Rochester, Rouzer, and Courtney to recognize the importance of primary care in saving overall healthcare costs while improving patient health outcomes. We must work to make primary care more accessible and available to all Americans, especially to our underserved populations. It’s an honor to advocate for America’s primary care professionals and the patients who depend on them…!”

“Increasing access to primary care is one of the best ways to promote better health outcomes and lower overall health care costs,” said Rep. Joe Courtney.  “As a co-founder of the Primary Care Caucus with Congressman Rouzer, Congresswoman Blunt-Rochester, and Congresswoman Kiggans, I am looking forward to advancing health care policy that recognizes the importance of primary care in underserved areas, particularly rural communities, and works to strengthen our primary care workforce nationwide.”

“Comprehensive, continuous, and equitable primary care is an essential part of our health system,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to join Rep. Courtney, Rep. Rouzer, and Rep. Kiggans in relaunching the Primary Care Caucus – a bipartisan avenue that will continue to help us support patients and providers by increasing access to primary care, improving primary care services, and investing in our critical primary care workforce.”

“The relaunch of the Primary Care Caucus is an important step forward in addressing major challenges plaguing the health care system—including high costs and worsening outcomes. Thank you Rep. David Rouzer,  Rep. Jen Kiggans, Rep. Joe Courtney, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and each member of the Caucus for your leadership and for recognizing the important role primary care must play in fixing health care in America. We look forward to working with you on practical solutions that ensure everyone has access to high-quality primary care.” – Ann Greiner, President and CEO, Primary Care Collaborative

“As the largest primary care organization, the American Academy of Family Physicians commends the relaunch of the Congressional Primary Care Caucus and its commitment to advancing comprehensive healthcare solutions. This initiative underscores the vital role primary care plays in fostering a healthier nation, and we look forward to collaborative efforts that prioritize accessible, whole person care for all.“ – Stephanie Quinn, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Practice Experience, American Academy of Family Physicians

“NACHC thanks Representatives Rouzer, Courtney, Blunt Rochester, and Kiggans for their leadership in standing up this important caucus. We look forward to working with this caucus to find long-term federal solutions for the primary care workforce and advancing our shared goal of making comprehensive and cost-effective primary care available for everyone nationwide.” – Paloma Hernandez, MPH, Chair, National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Board of Directors and President and CEO, Urban Health Plan, Inc.

Click here for more information on the Primary Care Caucus and to sign up for updates.