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Meeting of AcademyHealth Members Joseph Antos, Ph.D., Chair Coalition for Health Services Research June 8, 2008
Meeting of AcademyHealth MembersJoseph Antos, Ph.D., Chair Coalition for Health Services Research
June 8, 2008
Coalition for Health Services Research
Advocacy arm of AcademyHealth
Work to increase federal investment in health services research and health data
Take action to shape policies that address the challenges faced by the field
HSR Funding (in millions)
Agency FY 2008 Bush FY09 Request
Coalition Target
Projected Need
AHRQ $334.6 $325.6 $360 $500
NCHS $113.6 $124.7 $125 $175
CDC’s Public Health Research
$31 $31 $33 $50
CMS $31 $31 $45 $80
HRSA’s Rural Health Research
$8.6 $8.7 $10 $25
NIH* $965 $965 $1,000 $1,500
VHA* $73 $68 $85 $90
*estimated based on proportion of overall funding in previous years.
Funding Outlook for FY 2009
Election year politics will likely lead to “continuing resolution” (CR)• FY 2008 levels through at least March
2009 Even with new administration, budget
challenges will persist
What is a “CR?”
A stopgap funding measure used to sustain government operations if budget is not enacted by Sept. 30
Generally holds funding “flat” at current fiscal levels Puts agencies in budgetary holding pattern If “CR” lasts a full fiscal year, agencies lose
purchasing power
What Does a CR Mean for You?
Depends on the agency, FY 2008 funding levels, and CR duration
For example, at AHRQ:• A year long CR could actually mean more funding
for grants• A CR through March 2009 would hold activities at
FY 2008 levels; AHRQ would not start any new programs
Policy Priorities
Access to Information Investigator Initiated Research Next Generation of Researchers Comparative Effectiveness Research Coordination of Health Services
Research
Investigator Initiated Research
Report language would direct AHRQ to invest in investigator innovation and training grants
Report language is guidance, not law Corresponding spending bill unlikely to
be enacted before March 2009
Comparative Effectiveness Research
Legislation passed House August 2007 Senate drafting legislation to expand
capacity to conduct this work Unlikely Senate legislation will be
introduced in 110th Congress
What Can You Do?
Even though outlook is bleak, important to be present in the minds of policymakers• Urge congressional appropriators to support
increased funding for HSR• Submit an Op Ed to your local paper about the
value of HSR, data access, comparative effectiveness research
• Visit http://capwiz.com/chsr/home/ to get started!
What Can You Do?
Register for Grassroots U.• New web-based advocacy trainings for
AcademyHealth members to help Coalition advance HSR and promote their own work
• Video recording of first webconference is available under “Events” at www.chsr.org
• Look for second webconference later this summer
Contact Us
Emily HolubowichDirector, Government Relationsp: 202.292.6743c: 202.557.9084f: 202.292.6843e: [email protected]
Visit our www.chsr.org
