Barrasso, Smith Bill to Improve Rural Health Care Passes Senate

A bipartisan bill to improve rural health care passed the U.S. Senate this week by unanimous consent. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

The State Offices of Rural Health Reauthorization Act of 2022 will reauthorize a key program that supports health facilities in rural areas across the country. The bipartisan bill was sponsored by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Tina Smith (D-MN). According to information from Senator Barrasso’s Office, the bill ensures that State Offices of Rural Health have the financial resources needed to improve information-sharing, technical assistance, and care delivery in rural settings. Under the bill, the program will be reauthorized for five years, which will preserve the program’s flexibility to meet the needs of providers and patients across the country. The legislation now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

Barrasso said as a doctor, he’s seen firsthand how this program benefits Wyoming’s rural health clinics and hospitals. Co-sponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY.), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).