Overview

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PDF - 1.07 MB) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

HHS Marks the first Anniversary of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act

On February 16, 2010, President Obama marks the first Anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The US Department of Health and Human Services has led several initiatives to help spur new economic growth in direct response to the worst economic crisis since the great depression.

The Recovery Act is a combination of tax relief, financial assistance and infrastructure projects designed to cushion the impact of the downturn and lay a foundation for economic recovery. Public and private forecasters estimate the program is already responsible for about 2 million jobs – putting it on-target to support more than 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010.

• See HHS Recovery Act Accomplishments

Successful Commitment to Increasing Access to Health Care for People across the Country

Goal: Enable 1,129 Health Centers in 50 States and Eight Territories to Provide Expanded Service to Approximately 300,000 Patients

Why? As the cost of health care goes up and more people are losing coverage or even worse, losing their jobs, a growing number of people are turning to government sponsored health care for themselves and their families.

Results: 500,000 patients served!

Learn more about how this commitment was accomplished.

200-Days Milestone Report

HHS exceeds its 200-Day 300,000 patient goal, serving 500,000 patients in Community Health Centers!

Read the Vice President's remarks on the 200 Days of the Recovery Act

Learn how Recovery Act funding successfully increased access to health care.

Implementation

HHS is committed to a timely implementation. Plans for spending, reporting, auditing, and investigation of fraud and abuse of Recovery funds are being developed and will be made available here.

Total Obligated HHS Funds: $71.4 Billion (as of 3/5/10)

Total Gross Outlays:  $53.5 Billion (as of 3/5/10)

List of Programs for Which Funding Has Been Announced:

• Adoption Assistance and Foster Care Programs
• American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) Health Care Construction and Information Technology Funding
• Child Care and Development Fund
• Child Support Incentives
• Community Health Center Program
• Community Services Block Grant Program
• Comparative Effectiveness Research Funding
• Early Head Start and Head Start Expansion
• Immunization Grants Program
• Medicaid and Prescription Drug Funding
• National Health Service Corps
• NIH Medical Research and Construction Funding
• Senior Nutrition Programs
• State Health Information Technology Grants
• Strengthening Communities Fund
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Programs

Major Activities

As of February 12, 2010:

• Cumulative Recovery Act Medicaid FMAP State draw downs total about $ 48.5 billion.

• Secretary Sebelius announced the availability of $10 million in cooperative agreements for national public or private nonprofit organizations to help communities decrease smoking and obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition. The funding opportunity, under the Communities Putting Prevention to Work, will be for national organizations to provide expert guidance to communities and foster a national movement toward prevention. This part of the initiative is being lead by the Office of Public Health and Science in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (March 5)