In one solution to a doctor shortage, a cap on Medicare-supported training slots for doctors in teaching hospitals would be expanded under bipartisan legislation reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA) on Tuesday.
The Resident Physician Shortage Act, which Costello introduced with U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), would increase the number of Medicare-supported hospital residency positions by 15,000 over five years, bringing the total number of slots to 105,000. That would address a physician shortage that the Association of American Medical Colleges projects will reach 104,900 by 2030.
“A strong physician workforce is vital to ensuring all Americans have timely access to essential and quality healthcare,” Costello, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said. “This legislation would allow Congress to address concerns about physician shortages by providing teaching hospitals with the necessary resources to support increased residency openings. By demonstrating a bipartisan commitment to developing a new generation of skilled physicians, we can expand the availability of health care.”
The bill, H.R. 2267, calls for 3,000 Medicare-supported training slots to be added per year over a five-year period. Its goal is to create new opportunities for future doctors and teaching hospitals.
“Raising the resident cap is a critical first step in addressing this nationwide crisis,” Crowley said. “Medical schools have responded by expanding enrollment numbers, but it’s time for Congress to act so these new medical students can complete their training. Additionally, teaching hospitals have taken on a great deal of responsibility but they need the support of Congress and adequate federal funding to continue. A doctor shortage is something we just can’t ignore.”
The bill enjoys support from various medical groups, including the Association of American Medical Colleges, the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Hospital Association and the American Osteopathic Association, among others.
“Rep. Costello understands the critical physician shortages that many of Pennsylvania’s hospitals face,” Andy Carter, the president and CEO of the Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania, said. “We are grateful for his leadership and collaboration on this issue, and we urge Congress to pass this important legislation.”
Dr. Andrew Gurman, the president of the AMA, agreed the bill would help ward off the looming physician shortage in the next decade.
“The bill would increase the opportunities for physician training programs, a move essential to ensuring patient access to care,” Gurman said. “We appreciate Rep. Costello’s leadership on this important issue and look forward to working to advance this legislation.”