Senator Josh Hawley, Republican from Missouri, has introduced new legislation aiming to tackle the rural healthcare crisis in America. This move follows his assertion that Congress must act to ensure rural emergency rooms remain operational.

Hawley highlighted the troubling lack of access to emergency medical care faced by rural communities nationwide. He emphasized that in Missouri alone, 12 rural hospitals with emergency rooms have shut down over the years, while those still functioning struggle financially.

The proposed legislation, known as the Rural Hospital Emergency Room Guarantee Act, seeks to halt the closure of rural hospitals at an alarming rate.

“Americans in rural communities across the country are confronted with a concerning shortage of access to emergency medical care,” said Hawley. He stressed the urgency for Congress to act and preserve emergency care for rural families.

Since 2005, nearly 200 rural hospitals across the United States have closed, creating “emergency-room deserts.” Many residents now face long drives to reach lifesaving emergency care, a situation particularly severe in Missouri.

Records show that nearly half of rural hospitals in Missouri operate at a loss, while approximately 20% are at immediate risk of closure. To combat this, the proposed bill would establish a 10-year funding stream administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Eligible hospitals would receive an annual baseline distribution of $1 million to cover emergency room operating costs. This funding would be quarterly and account for inflation, supplemented by additional support based on geographic, financial, and patient injury factors.

Furthermore, rural hospitals immediately at risk would be eligible for a one-time emergency payment of up to $250,000. The senator assured that these hospitals would not see adverse effects on their eligibility for other federal healthcare programs.

Hawley is set to present details of the Rural Hospital Emergency Room Guarantee Act at a news conference, emphasizing the importance of this legislative action.

This development highlights the senator’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs in rural regions.