Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, highlighted the underrepresentation of minority doctors and maternal mortality during a recent hearing in Washington, D.C.
Cassidy addressed the shortage of physicians in the United States, emphasizing the impact on healthcare delivery in all communities. He raised concerns about the projected shortage of physicians in Louisiana by 2030, stressing the need for more doctors in underserved areas.
During the hearing, Cassidy pointed out the disparities in minority representation in the healthcare system, stating, "Black doctors only account for 8 percent of all physicians despite comprising 13.6 percent of the U.S. population." He also noted the significant underrepresentation of Hispanic or Latino doctors compared to their population percentage.
Highlighting the importance of access to opportunity, Cassidy commended Xavier University in Louisiana for its efforts in opening a medical school to train doctors who will serve the underserved communities. He also acknowledged the need to support nurses in advancing their careers to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
The discussion during the hearing also touched upon challenges in ensuring healthcare systems meet the needs of all patients, especially the underserved. Cassidy emphasized the importance of addressing racial disparities in healthcare, including maternal mortality, which disproportionately impacts Black women.
Cassidy recognized the bipartisan efforts in Congress to address health care disparities, citing legislation passed to improve maternal health and reduce disparities in minority health. He also mentioned the Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Services (Connected MOM) Act, aimed at promoting Medicaid coverage for remote monitoring technologies for pregnant women at higher risk.
In conclusion, Cassidy expressed gratitude to the witnesses for sharing their expertise on these critical issues and reiterated the bipartisan commitment in Congress to address healthcare disparities.
For more information and updates from HELP Republicans, visit their website or follow them on Twitter at @GOPHELP.
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