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.”
"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.
###
