This proposal has been passed by the CitizenSenator community.
Phase 2: Candidate support & fundraising — coming soon.
Rural Hospital Stabilization Act
This bill creates an emergency fund to prevent rural hospital closures, increases Medicare reimbursement rates for rural facilities by 15%, funds telehealth infrastructure for underserved areas, and creates a rural healthcare workforce pipeline with loan forgiveness for providers who serve in rural communities for 5+ years.
Discussion (9)
This is exactly the kind of legislation we need. The current system is broken and this addresses the root causes directly.
Mixed feelings. The goal is right but there are simpler ways to achieve the same outcome with less bureaucracy.
I support the intent but worry about the implementation timeline. Can we add a phased rollout?
As someone who works in this area, the problems described here are real. This would make a meaningful difference.
This is long overdue. Other countries have had similar policies for years and the results speak for themselves.
Concerned about unintended consequences. Has anyone modeled what happens if this interacts badly with existing law?
I propose adding explicit protections to prevent misuse beyond the original intent.
Add explicit scope limitations
+ Proposed Text
New Section 9: "Nothing herein authorizes action beyond enumerated purposes. Implementing regulations require notice-and-comment rulemaking."
Funding levels should be adjusted for inflation and regional cost differences.
Adjust funding for inflation and regional costs
+ Proposed Text
Section 5(a) amended: "Funding adjusted annually per CPI, with regional cost-of-living adjustments per BLS data."
I'd support this with one change — thresholds should be adjusted for regional cost differences.