Erin Mahn | March 20, 2015
The National Rural Health Association is pleased that the proposed Senate Republican budget released this week included several important rural provisions, including an amendment introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) that would make the Medicare Dependent and Low-Volume Hospital programs permanent. Unless Congress acts, these important rural designations expire at the end of the month.
Another important rural provision in the budget would allow for Medicare payments for pharmacists to offer health and wellness screenings, immunizations, and diabetes management where pharmacists are already licensed under state law to provide these services. This important change championed by Sen. Grassley would expand health services in rural America by using health professionals already practicing in rural communities.
NRHA applauds the efforts of Sen. Grassley, a true champion of rural. NRHA supports a budget that promotes important rural health care programs.
Source: Rural Health