WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced two pieces of legislation to help keep rural hospitals open and preserve access to quality care over the phone for seniors and those who lack reliable broadband.
“On my 36 County Tour, I’ve met with healthcare workers and families about the importance of keeping hospitals open and operational in our rural communities and maintaining access to high-quality, dependable care for our seniors. Taking my conversations back to Congress, I introduced two pieces of legislation that would provide grants to our local hospitals to continue delivering care and allow Medicare to permanently cover telehealth services conducted over the phone,” said Rep. Feenstra. “These bills are particularly vital for our seniors who shouldn’t have to travel hundreds of miles to receive routine care, for those who lack reliable broadband, and for our rural communities who desperately need access to hospitals and basic healthcare services. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to advocate for policies that keep our rural hospitals strong and our families healthy.”
“Many communities in America struggle to access reliable, quality health care. Critical Access Hospitals and other rural facilities are a lifeline to patients seeking care in rural areas, where they have witnessed more than 180 hospitals close in just the last fifteen years, including in my home state of Missouri. Rep. Feenstra’s bill, the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act, will help stabilize rural America’s health system by providing grants to these rural hospitals to prevent closures and allow them to continue delivering quality care to their patients,” said Rep. Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. “I also want to thank Rep. Feenstra for his leadership championing audio-only telehealth, which will provide access to care for rural Americans who lack reliable broadband connections.”
The Rural Hospital Stabilization Act would authorize the Rural Hospital Stabilization Pilot Program through 2029, allowing struggling hospitals – especially those in the most rural areas – to improve financial stability and allow them to retain healthcare services and increase service capacity. This legislation would prioritize rural hospitals, those with smaller patient capacity, and those at most risk of closure. It would also ensure these funds may be utilized for renovations, training, hiring, compensation, and equipment purchases.
The Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act would make Medicare’s coverage of audio-only telehealth services permanent. The current Medicare waiver – which is set to expire on December 31st, 2024 – allows CMS to reimburse providers for patient evaluation, patient management, and behavioral health services over the phone.
Full text of the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act can be found HERE.
Full text of the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act can be found HERE.
U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, (R-Hull)
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