Congress introduces bipartisan legislation to strengthen rural health care access and funding

Key Takeaways

Rural communities face unique health care challenges, from provider shortages to funding disparities. To address these concerns, the U.S. Senate recently introduced two bipartisan bills aimed at improving rural health care access and funding: the Rural Health Focus Act (S.403) and the Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act (S. __). If enacted, these bills would enhance coordination of rural health programs and ensure fairer distribution of federal funding for rural hospitals.

The Rural Health Focus Act  

The Rural Health Focus Act would formally authorize the CDC Office of Rural Health, ensuring consistent funding and improved coordination of rural health initiatives. Originally established through the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-328), the office received $5 million in FY 2024, however statutory authorization would enhance its stability.

The bill directs the CDC to appoint a director to oversee rural health efforts, coordinate best practices, address health disparities and administer grants to improve care delivery. By solidifying this office, the legislation aims to strengthen rural health infrastructure and expand access to essential public health services.

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The Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act

The Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act aims to modernize outdated disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, which support rural hospitals serving Medicaid and uninsured patients. The bill would set a $20 million per-state funding floor, adjust funding with a low inflation rate after five years and increase payments for hospitals in select states. By establishing a nationwide minimum, it seeks to provide more equitable financial support to struggling rural hospitals facing low patient volumes and high uncompensated care rates.

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Impact on Counties

Counties are essential providers of health care in rural communities, operating hospitals, public health departments and behavioral health programs. Congressional policy proposed in the Rural Health Focus Act and Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act would strengthen local health systems by improving coordination, expanding funding opportunities and ensuring more predictable financial support for county-owned hospitals. These bills align with county policy priorities for increasing access to health services in rural communities, which include stabilizing and preventing rural hospital closures, address workforce shortages and streamlining federal resources that help sustain rural health systems.  

To further these efforts, NACo recently released a new rural health policy brief urging Congress to increase funding and support for local rural health initiatives that expand access to care and strengthen the vitality of rural communities. The brief highlights key rural health challenges and offers recommendations to our federal partners on how to support rural counties in administering health services.

Read the Rural Health Policy Brief