Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands), joined by members of the bipartisan Rural Health Care Caucus, called on the House leadership to ensure continued support for rural health facilities, doctors, home health agencies and rural ambulance services.  The rural health care community is facing cuts in federal reimbursement unless certain laws are renewed this year. 

“Four years ago, as a member of the Rural Health Care Caucus in Congress, I and others worked successfully to provide more funds for rural doctors and hospitals so that they would be able to continue providing the best possible care in their communities,” stated Brady.  “These programs have given rural Texans the access to many of the same medical services found at big city hospitals.”

In 2003, the Medicare Modernization Act enacted the largest rural health package to date.  This law made long overdue corrections to significant flaws in Medicare payment schemes.  These changes have made a tremendous difference to the hospitals, doctors and other providers throughout rural Texas and across the nation.  However, these provisions have or are set to expire by the end of the year.  Consequently, many rural health facilities now face dramatic cuts in payment, which could severely jeopardize access to care for many rural Texans. 

 “It is critical to East and Southeast Texas that we continue these programs. Without them, many facilities that are already struggling will be hurt, and the rural communities that depend upon them could be left without the most basic medical services.”

Among other things, the letter urges continuation of provisions that provide reimbursement to small rural hospitals for their laboratory costs, and provide a five percent incentive payment for doctors and practitioners practicing in underserved areas.  Furthermore, it urges that Congress ensure that rural home health providers continue to receive an additional five percent, and ambulance providers an additional two percent of their Medicare reimbursement in order to help cover the costs of serving patients located in these remote areas.

Congress will likely include these provisions in a larger Medicare package currently being negotiated between House and Senate leaders.