Durbin Introduces Bipartisan Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act!

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin has introduced a new bill aimed at protecting rural hospitals from shutting down.

Called the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act, this measure is a bipartisan effort to help the most at-risk healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas of Illinois.

Bipartisan Effort to Address Crisis

Durbin is working alongside Republican Senator James Lankford to push this bill forward. Both lawmakers recognize that many rural hospitals are barely staying afloat.

Without urgent action, hundreds of these hospitals may be forced to close their doors, leaving communities without access to critical healthcare services.

How Does the Bill Support Rural Hospitals?

The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act would allow struggling hospitals to qualify for Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation.

This special status would increase their Medicare reimbursement rates, helping them cover costs and stay open. The bill aims to provide financial stability to hospitals that serve small and remote communities.

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Over 400 Hospitals at Risk Nationwide

Durbin highlighted that more than 400 rural hospitals across the country are currently at risk of closing.

Without these hospitals, many people in rural areas would have to travel long distances to receive medical care. The bill seeks to prevent this crisis by offering essential financial support.

Why This Matters for Illinois and Beyond?

For rural communities, local hospitals are not just healthcare providers; they are economic drivers and lifelines in times of emergencies.

Losing them would put lives at risk and hurt local economies. Lawmakers hope that by passing this bill, they can secure a future for rural hospitals and the patients who rely on them.

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