Underwood Introduces Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act to Strengthen Health Care in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON—Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced the Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act to expand access to quality, affordable health care and address the disparities that Illinoisans who live in rural parts of our community are experiencing.

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans live in rural areas, and they face significant health care disparities compared to those living in urban areas. The shortage of physicians, longer wait times, and the necessity to travel long distances to access quality medical care are just a few challenges rural residents endure.

The Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act would prioritize funding and flexibility for rural health care facilities through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and ensure USDA resources can be used to renovate, remodel, and equip facilities that have closed down.

“As a registered nurse, expanding access to quality, affordable health care is my life’s work. Rural communities around the country—including many right here in Northern Illinois—are facing significant challenges in accessing the quality health care they need and deserve,” said Underwood. “The Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act is a crucial step towards addressing these disparities by providing essential resources to improve health care infrastructure, reopen closed facilities, and support the dedicated professionals who serve these areas.”

In addition to physician shortages and distance to care, hospital closures like those seen across the Illinois Valley result in poor preventive health care for rural residents. This lack of early intervention forces many to seek emergency treatment, which is increasingly difficult to access as more health care facilities close their doors.

By prioritizing funding and resources for rural health care facilities, the Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act will help alleviate strain on our first responders and ensure that residents in rural areas are receiving the essential care they need before it becomes an emergency.

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