Overview

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PDF - 1.07 MB) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

Successful Commitment to Increasing Access to Health Care for People across the Country

Goal: Enable 1,129 Health Centers in 50 States and Eight Territories to Provide Expanded Service to Approximately 300,000 Patients

Why? As the cost of health care goes up and more people are losing coverage or even worse, losing their jobs, a growing number of people are turning to government sponsored health care for themselves and their families.

Results: 500,000 patients served!

Learn more about how this commitment was accomplished.

200-Days Milestone Report

HHS exceeds its 200-Day 300,000 patient goal, serving 500,000 patients in Community Health Centers!

Read the Vice President's remarks on the 200 Days of the Recovery Act

Learn how Recovery Act funding successfully increased access to health care.

Implementation

HHS is committed to a timely implementation. Plans for spending, reporting, auditing, and investigation of fraud and abuse of Recovery funds are being developed and will be made available here.

Total Obligated HHS Funds: $55.7 Billion (as of 11/13/09)

Total Gross Outlays: $38.4 Billion (as of 11/13/09)

List of Programs for Which Funding Has Been Announced:

• Adoption Assistance and Foster Care Programs
• American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) Health Care Construction and Information Technology Funding
• Child Care and Development Fund
• Child Support Incentives
• Community Health Center Program
• Community Services Block Grant Program
• Comparative Effectiveness Research Funding
• Early Head Start and Head Start Expansion
• Immunization Grants Program
• Medicaid and Prescription Drug Funding
• National Health Service Corps
• NIH Medical Research and Construction Funding
• Senior Nutrition Programs
• State Health Information Technology Grants
• Strengthening Communities Fund
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Programs

Major Activities

As of October 30, 2009:

• Cumulative Recovery Act Medicaid FMAP State draw downs total about $ 35.4 billion.
• Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Nov. 10 announced the availability of up to $9 million in Recovery Act funds to State survey agencies in 43 States to help reduce healthcare-associated infections in ambulatory surgical centers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had awarded $7.5 million of the $9 million on Nov. 6 in grants to the survey agencies.  States may come back later and ask for more funds.
• HHS issued an interim final rule with request for comments to strengthen its enforcement of rules promulgated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. These revisions of the HITECH Act, which was enacted as part of the Recovery Act, increases the penalty amounts the Secretary may impose for violations of the HIPAA rules and encourage prompt corrective action. (Oct. 30)
• The Secretary, jointly with AHRQ and NIH, reported to Congress on Comparative Effectiveness Research obligations, expenditures and unobligated balances and submitted an FY 2010 operating plan. (Oct. 30)
• The Health Resources and Services Administration reported to the Appropriations Committees on obligations, expenditures and unobligated balances for health centers, acquisition of health IT, health professions and other HRSA Recovery Act programs. (Oct. 30)
• CDC reported to the Appropriations Committees on obligations, expenditures and unobligated balances for the Recovery Act-funded Prevention and Wellness Fund. (Oct.30)