AHA Oct. 5 offered the House Ways and Means Committee proposals and suggestions to consider as it looks for avenues to broaden access to health care for patients in rural and underserved regions. These include policies to support sustainable financing models and fair and adequate reimbursement, bolster the workforce and make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities.   
 
“Although rural hospitals have long faced circumstances that have challenged their survival, those dangers are more severe than ever. As a result, rural hospitals require increased attention from state and federal government to address barriers and invest in new resources in rural communities,” AHA wrote, responding to the committee’s request for stakeholder input. 

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