Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act

S. 2699 would reauthorize federal funding for two key geriatric healthcare training programs: the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) and the Geriatrics Academic Career Awards (GACA). The bill would provide approximately $48 million in annual funding for these programs over the next five years. These programs were last authorized in 2020 and are set to expire, making reauthorization necessary for their continuation.

The bill addresses a significant shortage of healthcare professionals trained in geriatric care. Currently, there are too few geriatrics specialists in the United States to meet the needs of older Americans, with only about 6,580 geriatric physicians practicing nationally. The GWEP trains health professionals at the community level in geriatric care, while the GACA supports early-career faculty development in geriatric education and clinical care. If enacted, the bill would help expand training opportunities for doctors, nurses, caregivers, and other health professionals who work with older adults, potentially improving access to quality care for seniors.