Despite recent calls from Republicans to slash government spending in all sectors, the President has requested a major increase in funding for electronic health records and other health IT programs in his 2012 budget.
Government Health IT reports that his proposal seeks $57 million for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, the branch responsible for directing the nation's transition to electronic health records. This is an increase of 37 percent over 210 levels.
The funding is likely to play a vital part of the office's ability to start processing payments to providers who participate in the electronic health records incentive program. Starting in 2011, the office will begin distributing incentive payments to participants who follow the meaningful use rules.
The proposed funding is likely to face stiff opposition from Republicans, who now control the House of Representatives. They been vociferous in their opposition to any new spending programs, and have even advocated for cutting billions of dollars from future budgets.
Still, the proposal signals the administration's ongoing commitment to carrying the country through its transition to electronic health records. While the final number approved by Congress may not be quite so high, there is likely to be strong continued support.