Senate Hearing Examines Rural Health Care Challenges, Opportunities

May 24, 2018 - 03:35 PM
connie-martin-sfc-hearing-900x400

The Senate Finance Committee today held a hearing on “Rural Health Care in America: Challenges and Opportunities.” In a statement submitted for the record, AHA recommended legislative and regulatory actions to maintain access to health care in rural communities – from enacting alternative payment models such as the rural emergency medical center to providing regulatory relief and expanding access to telehealth services. Hospital and health system witnesses at the hearing included Konnie Martin, CEO of San Luis Valley Health in Alamosa, CO; Susan Thompson, senior vice president of integration and optimization for UnityPoint Health in West Des Moines, IA; and Karen Murphy, executive vice president and chief innovation officer for Geisinger in Danville, PA. “Rural communities pride themselves on hard work and taking care of their own,” said Martin. “However, federal payment systems and delivery models must…be updated to meet the realities and challenges of how health care is delivered today and in the future….In a country as great as ours, where you live should not determine if you live.” Senators Wyden and Hatch expressed support for advancing bipartisan legislation this year to help address some of the challenges of providing care in rural areas.

Related News Articles

Chairperson's File
Chair File: Inside the Shutdown and Other Key 2025 Priorities
Public
This week brings the fourth week of the federal government shutdown as Congress has yet to pass legislation to fund the government. This shutdown is a bit…
Headline
Celebrate National Rural Health Day in November with AHA toolkit 
The AHA has released a social media toolkit in advance of National Rural Health Day Nov. 20 that includes advocacy-focused posts for hospitals and health…
Headline
Shutdown continues with no significant progress toward funding deal
The government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate is expected to adjourn Oct. 23 with no plans to vote this weekend. The chamber Oct…
Headline
Government funding bill fails 10th time in Senate as chamber adjourns until next week
The Senate Oct. 16 failed for a 10th time to advance the continuing resolution to extend government funding and end the ongoing shutdown. The chamber adjourned…
Headline
AHA trustees discuss future of rural care at Sanford Rural Health Summit
Members of the AHA Board of Trustees Oct.14 participated in a panel on the future of rural health care during the Sanford Rural Health Summit in Sioux Falls, S…
Chairperson's File
Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — Legislative Outlook and Health Care Advocacy with AHA Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes
Public
There is a saying that is very timely for our field: A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. As we head into the final months of 2025, hospitals and health…