The U.S. House of Representatives on April 21 voted 406-4 to pass a bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) that would extend federal programs aimed at increasing access to healthcare services in rural communities.
The House-approved Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, H.R. 2493, advanced to the U.S. Senate on April 22.
“I thank my colleagues for their support in reauthorizing these critical programs to address the chronic healthcare needs of rural communities through flexible, community-driven solutions,” said Rep. Carter, who introduced the bill in March 2025 alongside three original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Mike Rulli (R-OH) and Shomari Figures (D-AL).
If enacted, H.R. 2493 would reauthorize Rural Health Services Outreach programs to increase access to healthcare services and preventive screenings, improve chronic disease management and health outcomes, expand telehealth services, and reduce emergency department visits for the nearly 500,000 individuals who receive direct services from these programs annually.
“Healthcare outcomes should not depend on a patient’s zip code. However, this is the reality for millions of Americans living in rural communities,” Rep. Carter said. “Rural Health Care Services Outreach Programs address this issue, expanding vitally important health services to reach people in all communities.”
Specifically, the bill would reauthorize the grant programs administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through fiscal year 2030 for expanding the delivery of healthcare services in rural areas, developing integrated healthcare networks, and improving the quality of services provided by small healthcare providers in rural areas, according to the Congressional Record bill summary.
H.R. 2493 also would require HRSA to ensure that grant funds for expanding services or developing healthcare networks are used to meet the healthcare needs of underserved populations, and engage such populations in the planning and implementation of related activities, the summary says.