During a May 16 hearing titled “Rural Health Care: Supporting Lives and Improving Communities,” the American Hospital Association (AHA) presented recommendations to enhance rural health care to the Senate Finance Committee. The proposals cover various areas such as promoting flexible payment options, ensuring fair and timely reimbursement, strengthening the workforce, and enhancing maternal health services.
One of the key topics discussed during the hearing was the importance of access to obstetric services in rural areas and increasing the number of medical residency slots allocated to rural hospitals. Jeremy P. Davis, MHA, who serves as the president and CEO of AHA-member Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande, Oregon, was among the health care leaders and policy researchers who provided testimony during the hearing.
The AHA’s proposals aim to address the challenges faced by rural health care facilities and support initiatives that will improve the overall well-being of communities in these areas. By focusing on payment options, reimbursement practices, workforce development, and maternal health services, the AHA hopes to create a more sustainable and effective health care system for rural residents.
