[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 182 (Friday, November 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING RURAL HOSPITALS ON NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY

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                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2018

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize all of 
our rural hospitals on National Rural Health Day. Small towns and rural 
communities across our country face unique obstacles, and access to 
affordable quality care is one of them.
  Our doctors, nurses, and other rural hospital employees work 
tirelessly to help patients overcome many of the health care challenges 
they face on a daily basis, including limited access to primary care 
providers and specialists. Additionally, rural hospitals face larger 
financial barriers. That is why I have continually fought for Medicare 
and The Affordable Care Act which are critical lifelines for rural 
patients and providers. Medicaid expansion alone has provided nearly 
1.7 million additional rural Americans with access to care.
  As an advocate for rural America, I have also helped to overcome 
these obstacles by expanding broadband access and removing barriers to 
telehealth that have the ability to provide 21st century care. I 
introduced the Special Registration for Telemedicine Clarification Act 
with my colleague Congressman Buddy Carter. I was proud to see our 
common sense provision signed into law that will provide more treatment 
options to rural communities through telemedicine.
  On National Rural Health Day, it is important that we take a moment 
to thank those who serve our nation in rural hospitals and provide 
access to quality health care. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues to provide the resources necessary to ensure the health of 
rural America is never left behind.

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