Roe, Kustoff Introduce Rural Health Agenda
Statement
Today, Reps. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) and David Kustoff (R-Tenn.) introduced a Rural Health Agenda that consists of three bills: the Rural America Health Corps Act, cosponsored by Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.); the Telehealth Across State Lines Act; and the Rural Health Innovation Act cosponsored by Rep. Ann Kuster (D-N.H). Reps. Roe and Kustoff released the following statements:
"Tennessee has been hit particularly hard by the closure of rural hospitals. Many factors have contributed to these closures, and there's not one silver bullet to solve the problem. That's why I am proud to be working with Senator Blackburn, Representative Kustoff, and others on a package of three bills aimed at helping improve health care in rural areas. By expanding telehealth, we can improve accessibility and access to qualified providers. By offering loan repayment to physicians who do residencies in rural areas, we can expose physicians to the unique care needs of rural areas and potentially attract physicians to stay in these areas. Lastly, by offering innovation awards, we can encourage and expand the best ideas for improving health care access in rural areas. The problems will not be fixed overnight, but this package will go a long way toward addressing barriers to access in areas that often need care the most," said Rep. Roe.
"As rural hospitals throughout Tennessee continue to close, many are left without access to emergency services. This has become a major problem, especially for folks in West Tennessee. That is why I introduced the Rural Health Innovation Act, which is included in this healthcare package. This bill will create two 5-year grant programs, allowing rural health departments to expand and build up their health services so they are prepared to meet the urgent needs of our communities," said Rep. Kustoff. "Together, these three pieces of legislation will fill gaps left by hospital closures and allow West Tennesseans to get the care they deserve. I would like to thank Rep. Roe for joining me in introducing this rural healthcare package, and I look forward to its quick passage."
Note: Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced identical legislation to all three bills on July 31, 2019.
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