LaHood Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Rural Communities’ Access
to Care
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[March 18, 2021]
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) introduced the
bipartisan Rural and Underserved Small Hospital (RUSH) Protection Act.
This legislation will update and provide a needed technical fix to the
2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act to help ensure Rural Health Clinics
across the state have the resources they need to provide access to care
for patients in rural and underserved communities.
“It’s critical that all Illinoisans have access to high-quality care
regardless of where they live,” said Rep. LaHood. “That’s why I’m proud
to introduce bipartisan legislation to support our Rural Health Clinics
and make sure those established during 2020 don’t experience unforeseen
financial penalties. We must continue to support our outstanding rural
health care providers and protect access to care for rural communities
across Illinois.”
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"OSF HealthCare very much appreciates the efforts of Congressman
LaHood to protect the needed funding for Rural Health Clinics. This
bipartisan measure will prevent harmful cuts and help to protect
rural communities that depend on these important clinics for their
healthcare," added Chris Manson, Vice President of Government
Relations at OSF HealthCare.
Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) play a vital role in providing access to
care for rural communities across Illinois and have been on the
frontlines of combatting COVID-19 in our rural regions.
Unfortunately, due to a drafting error in the 2021 Consolidated
Appropriations Act, many RHCs affiliated with both critical access
hospitals and larger health systems that opened in 2020 could face
significant Medicare payment cuts. The RUSH Protection Act will
correct this error and help ensure RHCs can continue their critical
work of providing care for patients in our rural communities.
[Congressman Darin LaHood]
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