Bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) to provide Medicare coverage for certain rural anesthesiology services passed the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on July 15, advancing to the full chamber for consideration.
The committee voted 41-0 to advance the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act, H.R. 9642, which would amend the Social Security Act to provide payment under part A of the Medicare program on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by an anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals and critical access hospitals. The lead cosponsor of the legislation is U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA).
“Rural Michiganders should be able to receive the same quality of health care as non-rural residents,” Rep. Moolenaar said. “My Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act will help rural hospitals recruit and pay physician anesthesiologists so their patients can access the level of care they deserve.”
Current law only permits rural hospitals to use Medicare funds to hire nurse anesthetists or certified anesthesiologist assistants. H.R. 9642 would allow hospitals in rural communities to utilize Medicare funds already available to them to hire and pay physician anesthesiologists, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Moolenaar’s staff.
“Rural Americans deserve access to reliable, high-quality health care regardless of where they live,” said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO). “Rep. Moolenaar has consistently worked to address the challenges facing rural communities, and the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act continues that effort by helping rural hospitals maintain access to critical anesthesia services.”
Rep. Smith noted that too many patients face long travel times or limited options because of provider shortages, and the bill is an important step toward ensuring senior citizens in rural communities receive care closer to home.
“I am grateful for Chairman Jason Smith and his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee to advance this common-sense, bipartisan legislation,” said Rep. Moolenaar.