Lawmakers introduce bipartisan legislation to help struggling rural hospitals stay open

Fierce Healthcare – Thursday, April 2, 2026
By Cailey Gleeson

Lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives have introduced bipartisan legislation that would ensure rural hospitals are fairly reimbursed for Medicare.

Reps. David Kustoff, R-Tenn., and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., introduced the Save Struggling Hospitals Act (PDF) April 1. A companion bill (PDF) was introduced by Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.

“Rural hospitals are closing at an alarming rate due to significant financial strain compounded by the flawed Medicare Area Wage Index that results in rural hospitals receiving lower reimbursement,” Blackburn said in a statement. “Our Save Struggling Hospitals Act would strengthen rural health care by ensuring that hospitals in rural and low-wage areas receive fair payment for the essential services they provide.”

Click here to read the entire article.