Southern West Virginia News

Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) have reintroduced the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals (ARCH) Act. This legislation aims to extend the Medicare-dependent hospital program and Medicare low-volume hospital payments for five years. It also mandates a Government Accountability Office report to provide clear information on various Medicare rural hospital designations.

"Rural hospitals are committed to offering the best care that they can provide for patients, but it is only possible if they have adequate resources," said Congresswoman Miller. "That’s why I am reintroducing the ARCH Act with Congresswoman Sewell."

Congresswoman Sewell highlighted the strain faced by rural hospitals in Alabama, emphasizing the need for stability to ensure continued service provision. "This legislation is about providing stability to our rural hospitals so that they can keep their doors open and continue serving patients," she stated.

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has endorsed the bill. Alan Morgan, CEO of NRHA, noted, "Small, rural hospitals, like Medicare-dependent hospitals and those receiving low-volume payment adjustments, need certainty around Medicare reimbursement for budgeting and planning purposes."

Lisa Kidder Hrobsky from the American Hospital Association emphasized that these programs are vital for maintaining local access to healthcare. She stated, "During this time of sustained financial pressure...the ARCH Act will help keep the doors open at rural hospitals."

Jim Kaufman of the West Virginia Hospital Association expressed gratitude towards Congresswoman Miller's efforts. He remarked that her leadership creates stability needed by rural healthcare facilities through 2031.

The ARCH Act was previously introduced by Congresswoman Miller in November 2023 and August 2022.