**Kuster’s full remarks are available HERE**

Washington, D.C. — Today, during an Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) advocated for increased support for Community Health Centers and highlighted their important role in rural states like New Hampshire. In her remarks, Kuster outlined how increased access to preventive care lowers health care costs and improves patient outcomes.

“Community Health Centers save the health care system $24 billion annually by increasing access to preventive and primary care, including everything from annual physicals to substance use disorder treatment,” said Kuster, co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “Investing in these Centers is a win-win for our economy and our country’s health and well-being. I am proud to fight to expand access to affordable care in our rural communities, and I will continue working to strengthen our health care workforce.”

Kuster is a fierce advocate for strengthening our nation’s health care system. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan Rural Health Innovation Act to improve access to quality health care in rural communities in New Hampshire and across the United States.

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