Senators propose $4B in HIT grants to providers for the poor

In a move patterned after a similar New York City initiative, a group of senators introduced a measure that would offer $4 billion in HIT grants over five years to providers who see poor patients or those covered by either Medicare, Medicaid or the State Children's Healthcare Insurance Program. 

The co-sponsors, which include Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), argue that this approach will cut costs and improve care. In doing so, they're joining a wave of EMR supporters who make the same arguments.

The legislation comes in the wake of an announcement by President-elect Barack Obama in support of EMRs. Obama has called for a $50 billion investment in order to bring EMRs to all Americans within the next five years.

To learn more about the proposal:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece [1] (reg. req.)

Related Articles:
NYC pays primary care doctors to get EMRs, meet quality targets [2]
Study: Few hospitals offering subsidized EMRs [3]
Congress considers another HIT subsidy bill [4]
MD group asks for federal help with EMRs [5]