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Rural Health Care Access Act of 2022

12/29/2022, 1:34 PM

Summary of Bill HR 9257

Bill 117 HR 9257, also known as the Rural Health Care Access Act of 2022, aims to address the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing quality healthcare services. The bill recognizes that rural areas often have limited healthcare resources, including a shortage of healthcare providers and facilities.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to support the recruitment and retention of healthcare providers in rural areas. This program would provide funding to healthcare facilities in rural communities to help them attract and retain doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve telehealth services in rural areas. Telehealth has become increasingly important in providing healthcare services to rural communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill seeks to expand access to telehealth services in rural areas and ensure that patients in these communities can receive care remotely. Furthermore, the bill includes measures to improve healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. This includes funding for the construction and renovation of healthcare facilities in rural communities, as well as support for the purchase of medical equipment and technology. Overall, the Rural Health Care Access Act of 2022 aims to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities and improve access to quality healthcare services for residents in these areas. By supporting the recruitment and retention of healthcare providers, expanding telehealth services, and investing in healthcare infrastructure, the bill seeks to ensure that all Americans, regardless of where they live, have access to the healthcare services they need.

Congressional Summary of HR 9257

Rural Health Care Access Act of 2022

This bill eliminates certain criteria that hospitals must meet in order to qualify as critical access hospitals that receive special payment under Medicare.

Specifically, the bill eliminates the requirement that a hospital must either (1) be located more than 35 miles (15 miles in mountainous regions or areas with only secondary roads) from another hospital, or (2) have been certified prior to January 1, 2006, by the state as a necessary provider of services in the area.

Current Status of Bill HR 9257

Bill HR 9257 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since October 31, 2022. Bill HR 9257 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on October 31, 2022.  Bill HR 9257's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. as of October 31, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 9257

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 9257

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 9257

Rural Health Care Access Act of 2022
Rural Health Care Access Act of 2022
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit States to designate without any mileage limitations facilities that are located in rural areas as critical access hospitals, and for other purposes.

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