Two Feenstra-Led Bills to Keep Rural Hospitals Open and Protect Access to Telehealth Services Pass House Ways and Means Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, two bills led by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) to keep rural hospitals operational and preserve access to over-the-phone telehealth services passed the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.

“Protecting access to affordable, reliable healthcare in rural Iowa is a top priority for me in Congress. It’s why I’m glad that two bills that I introduced to support our rural communities passed the House Ways and Means Committee,” said Rep. Feenstra. “My bills would help keep rural hospitals open by providing critical financial support, particularly to those on the verge of closing, and extend access to over-the-phone telehealth services for our seniors and rural communities with limited broadband connectivity. On my 36 County Tour, I’ve had many conversations with healthcare workers and families about the importance of lowering healthcare costs and protecting our rural hospitals. These bills will help achieve these goals and ensure that our rural communities receive the high-quality healthcare that they need and deserve.”

The Rural Hospital Stabilization Act would authorize the Rural Hospital Stabilization Pilot Program through 2029, allowing struggling hospitals – especially those in the most rural areas – to improve financial stability and allow them to retain healthcare services and increase service capacity. This legislation would prioritize rural hospitals, those with smaller patient capacity, and those at most risk of closure. It would also ensure these funds may be utilized for renovations, training, hiring, compensation, and equipment purchases.

The Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act would make Medicare’s coverage of audio-only telehealth services permanent. The current Medicare waiver – which is set to expire on December 31st, 2024 – allows CMS to reimburse providers for patient evaluation, patient management, and behavioral health services over the phone.

Full text of the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act can be found HERE.

Full text of the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act can be found HERE.

###