Sen. Josh Hawley Introduces Legislation to Address Rural Healthcare Crisis

Fox News reports that Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has introduced legislation to tackle the rural healthcare crisis. The senator emphasized the urgent need to keep rural emergency rooms operational.

Hawley highlighted the shortage of emergency medical care in rural areas. He stated that Missouri has seen 12 rural hospitals close over the past 12 years. Those still operational are struggling financially.

The proposed legislation, named the Rural Hospital Emergency Room Guarantee Act, aims to halt the rapid closure of rural hospitals. Nearly 200 rural hospitals have shut down nationwide since 2005, creating significant access challenges for emergency care, according to Hawley’s office.

Missouri’s situation is critical. The state has lost 12 rural hospitals since 2014. Records indicate nearly half of Missouri’s rural hospitals currently face financial losses. About 20% are at immediate risk of closure.

Hawley’s office confirmed the closure of 12 rural hospitals with emergency rooms since 2014. (Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The proposed legislation would guarantee a 10-year funding stream, managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Eligible rural hospitals would receive a baseline of $1 million annually, distributed quarterly and adjusted for inflation. Additional funds would be provided based on specific needs.

Hospitals facing immediate closure risk could receive a one-time emergency payout of up to $250,000. Hawley’s office ensured that hospitals receiving the funding would retain eligibility for other federal healthcare programs.

Hawley’s bill offers a one-time emergency payment for hospitals at immediate closure risk. (Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz)

A news conference to announce the Rural Hospital Emergency Room Guarantee Act is scheduled for Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.

Fox News Digital journalist Alexandra Koch, covering breaking news, contributed to the report. Her focus is on significant events impacting national discourse, such as major crises and disasters.