114th congress convenes
Today marks the first day that the 114th Congress takes office. Republicans control both chambers for the first time in eight years. As members of Congress begin work, so does our work at the National Rural Health Association. Last year, rural health care faced its greatest challenge: Forty-three rural hospitals have closed; 283 more are on the brink of closure. Continued cuts in hospital payments have taken their toll, forcing far too many closures and leaving some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations without timely access to care. What can the new Congress do to protect the 20 million rural Americans dependent on these rural hospitals for care? Stop the hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to rural hospitals and providers. Urge members of Congress to protect the rural health care safety net. Don’t miss the chance to meet with the Obama administration, the 114th congressional members and national experts at NRHA’s 26th annual Rural Health Policy Institute Feb. 3-5 in D.C. Register here today.