Graves-led bipartisan bill pulls rural hospitals from edge of bankruptcy

Bipartisan legislation introduced on Feb. 6 by U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) aims to rescue rural American hospitals facing bankruptcy.

“For many communities and families, this is a life or death situation,” said Rep. Graves on Wednesday. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan solution that will make common-sense reforms to put our rural hospitals back on solid ground and rescue many from the brink.”

The Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act, H.R. 833, which Rep. Graves sponsored alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) would amend the Social Security Act to authorize enhanced payments to rural healthcare providers under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, according to the text of the bill. 

“This legislation would permanently end Medicare cuts that have devastated small town hospitals,” Rep. Graves said. “For years, these cuts have forced hospital after hospital to close down all over rural America. Every single one of those closures has been absolutely devastating to the community and those they serve — with many of the best-paying jobs in town being lost and families forced to travel much farther to get the health care they need.”

If enacted, H.R. 833 would eliminate Medicare sequestration for rural hospitals and make Medicare telehealth service enhancements permanent for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Graves’ office.

The bill also would permanently extend increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services that are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024, and expand access to certified registered nurse anesthetists’ services, the summary says. 

“Rural hospitals have been left to face seemingly insurmountable odds for years without the federal support they need,” said Rep. Huffman. “My bill with Rep. Graves takes the steps necessary to help keep rural hospitals afloat and protect access to high-quality care, regardless of where folks live.”