Missouri Senator Hawley Plan Aims To Keep Rural Hospitals Open

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at helping rural hospitals keep their emergency rooms open.

The Rural Hospital Emergency Room Guarantee Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. The lawmakers say the proposal is designed to help hospitals stay open as many rural communities continue losing access to emergency care.

Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed nationwide since 2005. Missouri alone has lost more than a dozen rural hospitals in the past decade, and many of those still operating continue to face financial challenges.

Hawley said too many rural families have seen emergency care move farther away as hospitals close their doors.

If passed, the legislation would establish a 10-year funding program for qualifying rural hospitals. Each eligible hospital would receive at least $1 million each year to help cover emergency room operating expenses, with additional funding available based on factors such as patient volume, location, and financial need.

The bill also includes one-time emergency payments of up to $250,000 for hospitals facing an immediate risk of closing.

Supporters say the funding would not affect a hospital's eligibility for other federal healthcare grants or programs.

According to recent reports cited by the senators, nearly half of Missouri's rural hospitals are operating at a loss, and about 10 are considered to be at immediate risk of closure.

Hassan said emergency rooms are often a lifeline in rural communities, where longer travel times can make a critical difference during a medical emergency.

The legislation will now be considered by Congress.