AHA participates in Hill briefing on rural health care needs

The AHA today participated in a bipartisan Capitol Hill briefing hosted by the Senate Rural Caucus, chaired by Sens. Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Al Franken (D-MN), to educate congressional staff on the unique circumstances and needs impacting health care delivery in rural communities. The AHA highlighted the importance of continuing vital rural programs, such as the Medicare-dependent hospital and enhanced low-volume adjustment programs; and passing key rural legislation such as S. 607/H.R. 672 to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program. Other participants in the briefing included the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office of Rural Health Policy and the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. The AHA also hosted a congressional briefing last week on the need for regulatory relief from federal policies limiting patient access to rural hospitals.