ICYMI: Kinzinger Authors Bill to Save Rural Hospitals

Press Release

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) has long been a champion for rural hospitals and recognizes the critical role they play in ensuring our rural communities have reliable access to healthcare. In December, the Congressman authored legislation to provide relief to struggling rural hospitals and the communities that rely on them.

The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act (H.R. 5481) would expand and utilize a tested and proven rural payment system, the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) program, in order to stabilize vulnerable hospitals serving our rural communities until a long-term payment model is developed. In the midst of a record-breaking flu season and the concerns surrounding COVID-19, it is more important than ever for patients to have reliable access to these rural health facilities.

On introducing his legislation, Congressman Kinzinger said this:

"Rural hospitals are a vital lifeline in communities across IL-16 and the country. With over 120 closures of rural hospitals in the past decade, it's time for us to take action and protect the critical healthcare infrastructure providing care within our rural communities.

"I'm pleased to have the support of my House and Senate colleagues as we work to designate these struggling rural facilities as "Critical Access Hospitals' (CAHs). This designation is important for the patients and communities who truly rely on the services they provide. As we continue to face uncertain health issues across the country, the services of these rural hospitals become increasingly important to our communities."

The bill text for the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act, can be found attached and on the Congressman's website here.

Congressman Kinzinger introduced the measure on December 18, 2019 with Congressmen David Loebsack (D-IA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). A companion measure was introduced in the Senate by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and James Lankford (R-OK). Since its introduction, the following Members of Congress have signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 5481:

Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL)

Rep. Cynthia Axne (D-IA)

Rep. Frank D. Lucas (R-OK)

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)

Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA)

Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)

Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI)

NOTE: Congressman Kinzinger was awarded the 2020 Rural Health Champion Award by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) for his work on this issue and commitment to pushing legislation that protects and supports rural health facilities. This year, the NRHA also awarded the Congressman's health policy advisor, Paul Laurie, with the 2020 Legislative Staff Award for being a strong proponent for rural health care policy. The NHRA announcement can be found here.

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