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U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, along with Senators Tim Scott, Tina Smith, and Cynthia Lummis, introduced the bipartisan Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act. This bill aims to extend important programs that help rural communities get better health care through 2030.
Senator Kaine said, “Across Virginia and throughout the U.S., rural communities often face unique challenges that lead to reduced or even nonexistent access to lifesaving medical care.” He also criticized recent budget cuts, saying, “Republicans in Congress just passed a bill to pay for tax cuts for the uber-wealthy at the expense of everyday Americans, and our rural health providers are now grappling with severe budget cuts that could force them to close their doors.”
The bill reauthorizes three key programs under the Public Health Service Act:
- Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grants: Fund projects that improve health care delivery in rural areas using community input and proven methods.
- Rural Health Network Development Grants: Support networks of health providers working together to expand access and improve quality in rural communities.
- Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Grants: Help small rural providers like clinics and hospitals plan and carry out quality improvement efforts.
The bill comes after President Trump signed a Republican budget bill that could reduce funding for rural hospitals and Medicaid. Kaine opposed that budget, warning of its harmful effects.
Rural areas face many barriers including distance from hospitals, workforce shortages, transportation problems, and insurance gaps. Kaine urged Congress to “pass this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize key federal grants that support their access to health care.”
SOURCE: Cville Right Now