The proposed Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act would make loans available to help rural facilities improve buildings and infrastructure. In addition, rural providers can apply to receive planning grants to help assess capital and infrastructure needs.
The bill would also equalize Medicare disproportionate share of hospital payments to bring rural hospitals in line with urban facilities and provide additional assistance for small, rural hospitals that have a low-volume of patients. The bill would also extend to Jan. 2013 two incentive programs designed to incentivize physicians working in designated health professional shortage areas.
The bill also proposes a health technology pilot program for rural home health agencies and other provisions geared toward improving rural healthcare.
Related Articles on Rural Healthcare:
MedPAC Evaluates Payments for Rural Providers
IU Health Partners With Rural Health Network for Stroke Telemedicine Service
HHS Grants More Than $11.9M for Health IT Implementation in Rural Areas
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