In the midst of a record-breaking flu season and global concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) says it’s critically important for American patients to have reliable access to rural health facilities.
“With over 120 closures of rural hospitals in the past decade, it’s time for us to take action and protect the critical healthcare infrastructure providing care within our rural communities,” said Rep. Kinzinger, who received the 2020 Rural Health Champion Award from the National Rural Health Association for his work on this issue.
Rep. Kinzinger in December 2019 sponsored the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2019, H.R. 5481, with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) to provide relief to struggling rural hospitals and their surrounding communities by restoring state authority to waive for certain facilities the 35-mile rule for designating critical access hospitals (CAHs) under the Medicare program, according to the text of the bill.
If enacted, H.R. 5481 specifically would expand and utilize the CAH program to stabilize vulnerable rural hospitals until a long-term payment model is developed, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office.
A companion measure, the same-named S. 3103, also was introduced in December 2019 by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and James Lankford (R-OK). Both versions remain under committee consideration in their respective chambers.
“I’m pleased to have the support of my House and Senate colleagues as we work to designate these struggling rural facilities as CAHs,” said Rep. Kinzinger. “This designation is important for the patients and communities who truly rely on the services they provide. As we continue to face uncertain health issues across the country, the services of these rural hospitals become increasingly important to our communities.”