Republicans And Democrats Celebrate Rural Health Month On The House Floor

Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives celebrated Rural Health Month, highlighting the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing quality healthcare. The discussion emphasized the need for increased access to healthcare providers, addressing workforce shortages, and improving Medicare reimbursement rates, particularly in remote areas. The representatives also discussed crucial actions Congress needs to take to support rural healthcare, including extending critical programs, safeguarding telehealth services, and providing disaster aid.

Rural Health Challenges

• 00:00:03 Rural Americans, comprising 20% of the US population, experience lower life expectancy, poorer health, and face difficulties accessing quality healthcare due to limited providers, higher uninsured rates, and long travel distances. These challenges are exacerbated by factors like limited transportation and a lack of primary and specialty care options.

Pharmacy Challenges

• 00:01:32 Predatory pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are squeezing independent pharmacies out of business, negatively impacting rural communities' access to reliable pharmacies. The 'Pharmacist Fight Back Act' seeks to address this by increasing transparency, accountability, and implementing guardrails to protect independent pharmacists and rural healthcare access.

Physician Workforce Shortage

• 00:07:52 The US faces a critical healthcare worker shortage, particularly in rural areas, leading to hospital and clinic closures. The Medicare physician fee schedule is deemed 'fundamentally broken' due to declining payment rates and increasing practice costs, impacting physician recruitment and retention in remote areas. Proposed legislation aims to stabilize Medicare physician pay and increase geographic adjustments for providers in remote areas.

Rural Hospital Support

• 00:04:39 Rural hospitals face significant financial challenges, with some closing or consolidating services, leading to increased travel distances for patients seeking care. The Rural Emergency Hospital (RE) program provides financial support, but its efficacy is hampered by its exclusion from the 340B drug discount program. The 'Rural 340B Access Act of 2024' aims to include REs in the 340B program, boosting their financial viability and ability to provide emergency care.

Congressional Actions for Rural Health

• 00:18:28 Congress has a crucial to-do list for rural healthcare by the end of 2024, including extending programs like the National Health Service Corps and the Community Health Center Program, extending telehealth flexibilities, and ensuring adequate Medicare reimbursement for rural providers. Additionally, Congress needs to pass a disaster aid package for areas impacted by natural disasters, recognizing the disproportionate impact on rural communities.