Jack Bergman: “I am honored to join my colleagues today in highlighting the accomplishments and ongoing challenges facing access to…”

“I am honored to join my colleagues today in highlighting the accomplishments and ongoing challenges facing access to high-quality healthcare in rural and remote parts of our United States. Healthcare providers in areas like Michigan's First District work every day to provide the best possible care for patients while overcoming struggles unlike anything facing those in urban or suburban areas. {time} 1715 Unfortunately, we have seen a significant increase in rural provider closures, and many of those still operating today are doing so at the razor's edge of financial viability and stability. In my own district, Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital ended all hospital and emergency room operations earlier this year and consolidated into a rural health clinic. A single provider closing their doors could result in patients having to travel hundreds of miles further to receive treatment, including lifesaving emergency care. In 2020, Congress took an important step to address this crisis by creating the Rural Emergency Hospitals, or REH designation. Under this designation, rural hospitals receive direct financial support, more than $3 million annually, and increased Medicare reimbursement in exchange for maintaining 24-hour emergency departments, as well as observation beds and other key health services. However, when Congress created this designation, REHs were not included as eligible facilities under the 340B drug discount program. Mr.…”