What is the Primary Care Caucus?
The Primary Care Caucus is co-chaired by Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).
Established by Congressman Rouzer and Congressman Courtney in 2015, the Caucus aims to educate Congress on the importance of a comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, and connected primary care system for patients and communities nationwide.
The Importance of Primary Care
Tens of thousands of families across the country, including many in Southeastern North Carolina, face a lack of access to primary care to address health issues before they become advanced. Over twenty five percent of adults and almost ten percent of children in North Carolina do not have access to a regular source of care. A key factor driving this lack of access is the shortage in primary care physicians, and that problem is only expected to grow in the coming years. This gap is particularly felt in rural and medically underserved areas.
America spends twice as much as other developed countries on healthcare yet continues to see worse average health outcomes than our peers. At the same time, the country has underinvested in primary care – it accounts for less than five percent of total healthcare spending. Primary care saves taxpayer dollars in the end and creates healthier Americans in the process. Regular care leads to earlier diagnoses and preventative measures to lead a happier and healthier life.
Primary Care Caucus in the 118th Congress
To date, the Congressional Primary Care Caucus has 42 Members.
To sign up for updates from the Primary Care Caucus, please contact Christopher.Zhen@mail.house.gov in Congressman Rouzer's office.
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