Primary Care Investment

Health systems that invest in primary care have better and more equitable health outcomes. Yet primary care faces a crisis (characterized by chronic underinvestment and significant workforce shortages), and that crisis has led to pervasive clinician burnout and reduced access to vital care, especially for populations who have a low income, are elderly, and identify as minorities. More

Despite a robust body of evidence demonstrating that strong primary care is foundational to a high-performing health system associated with improved… More

The 2026 Primary Care Scorecard data show incremental, but fragile, gains in the primary care workforce and training pipeline. Financing for primary care continues to stagnate, with national spending levels largely unchanged and far below what is needed. There was considerable state variability for primary care spending and for primary care workforce density. More

Primary care improves outcomes, reduces costs, and decreases disparities, yet continues to be critically underfunded. The result? Fewer clinicians choosing primary care, particularly independent primary care, declining morale among those who do, and decreased patient access.   More

Health care should not just be about treating illness. It should be about preventing it, building long-term healing relationships, and improving overall health outcomes. So, when we talk about how to extend life expectancy and improve health at a sustainable cost, the answer is simple: double down on primary care. More

Decades of research confirms the safety, quality, and effectiveness of care provided by NPs, including care for complex patients, and their acceptance and approval by patients. Yet challenges remain in recruiting and retaining NPs in primary care. More

The Trump administration released a draft Medicare rule this summer that might have been missed amid HR1’s large funding cuts to Medicaid and the health insurance marketplaces. But the administration’s proposed changes to the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee schedule are an important step toward strengthening primary care — and following through on its commitment to “Make America Healthy Again.”  More

This report provides state leaders with a range of policy options states can use to strengthen primary care across geopolitically diverse contexts. More