AHA resources highlight crucial role of rural hospitals, Medicare extenders

Today is National Rural Health Day , an annual event spotlighting the unique health care needs and access and delivery challenges of America’s rural and frontier communities. “Without action from Congress, critical programs that protect health care in rural communities will expire,” notes a new AHA infographic on the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program, Enhanced Low-Volume Adjustment Program and ambulance add-on payment program. “These programs have bipartisan support and are critical for rural hospitals and their ability to provide quality, accessible care in their communities.” For more on the importance of protecting America’s rural hospitals, view the new AHA video and visit www.aha.org/advocacy-issues/rural.