Senators Smith, Barrasso Introduce Bipartisan Reauthorization of Key Program Aimed at Improving Rural Health Care

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a key program that supports state health facilities across the country to help improve health care in rural areas.

"When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and community leaders in rural Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is healthcare," said Senator Smith. "This bipartisan legislation will make sure State Offices of Rural Health have the resources they need to expand and improve healthcare services in rural communities. I'll keep working to get this bill across the finish line and address the unique healthcare needs of rural America."

"Wyoming's State Office of Rural Health regularly provides rural health providers with critical resources and technical assistance vital to ensuring the highest quality care for patients across Wyoming. As a doctor, I've seen firsthand how this assistance benefits our state's rural health clinics and hospitals," said Senator Barrasso. "Our legislation would make sure this important program can continue to help providers deliver the best care to patients in rural communities across Wyoming and the country."

The State Offices of Rural Health (SORH) Reauthorization Act of 2022 would ensure that State Offices of Rural Health have the financial resources they need to improve information-sharing, technical assistance, and care delivery in rural health settings. By reauthorizing the program for five years, this bill would also preserve the program's flexibility to meet state and local rural health care needs.

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