U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) recently co-sponsored H.R. 3684, the Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act of 2025, which would strengthen financial stability and access to care for rural hospitals and healthcare providers across the country.
Introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), the bill would amend Titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to provide enhanced Medicare and Medicaid payments to rural hospitals, critical access hospitals and other essential rural providers. The legislation addresses the ongoing challenges facing rural health systems, noting that more than 60 million Americans rely on rural hospitals for care and that more than 150 rural hospitals have closed nationwide since 2010.
The Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act outlines congressional findings underscoring the critical role rural hospitals play as access points for emergency and inpatient care, as well as the increasing risks of closure due to financial strain, workforce shortages and geographic barriers. The bill aims to improve reimbursement structures and sustain vital services for patients who otherwise face long distances and limited access to emergency care.
The MHA supports this legislation and will continue to review its potential implications for Michigan’s rural hospitals, providing updates as the bill advances through Congress.
Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.