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Rural legislators push health care bill Friday, Sep 8, 2006 By Aaron Sadler Stephens Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - Still dismayed by the 1995 closing of the only hospital in his hometown, Rep. Mike Ross vowed Thursday to fight for a bill that he said would keep other south Arkansas hospitals from the same fate. Ross, D-Prescott, and other congressmen who represent rural areas introduced legislation designed to direct more federal money to rural health care services. The Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act would increase payments to rural hospitals that treat large shares of Medicare and Medicaid patients. It would also create a loan program for capital improvement projects at rural hospitals. Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., co-chairman of the House Rural Health Care Coalition, said supporters of the bill were confident lawmakers would act on at least some of its provisions before Congress adjourns this year. He said the coalition will try to attach parts of the bill to upcoming Medicare-related appropriations measures. Proponents of the bill, which has 60 co-sponsors in the House, said rural Americans need better access to health care. Pomeroy said a lack of quality rural health care is an issue often overlooked by the majority of lawmakers who represent urban districts. Ross said the bill allows rural residents to receive good care without facing hour-long drives. Better health care close to home is particularly vital in emergency situations, he added. "In my district alone, 21 rural hospitals would benefit from the improvements in this legislation," he said. "Let's not let another rural hospital close." A cost estimate had not been determined by Thursday, Pomeroy said. Ross credited the federal critical-access designation for rural hospitals as the primary reason why no hospital has closed since Nevada County Hospital in Prescott 11 years ago. The designation was created in 1997. It authorizes Medicare reimbursement to many rural hospitals based on actual costs. He said the proposed legislation will strengthen the rural health care system nationwide. "Living in a community and witnessing our only hospital close is something I do not wish on any communities," he said. The legislation creates a grant program for rural medical practitioners and extends several expiring Medicare payments to physicians practicing in shortage areas and rural ambulance services and hospitals. It gives more rural representation on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Pomeroy said the 17-member commission has just one member that represents a rural constituency. |
