Carter bill improving health care access for rural America passes committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) today spoke in favor of his Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act, a bill extending critical programs that increase access to health care services in rural communities, which unanimously passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Watch and read his remarks below:

"Mr. Chairman, I'd like to express my support for the bipartisan Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act that I have introduced with Senator Tim Scott.

"This legislation would reauthorize critical Rural Health Care Services Outreach Programs that increase access to health care services in rural communities.

"Rural residents often encounter barriers to accessing health care, including distance and transportation issues.

"These roadblocks result in unmet health care needs, leading to a 43 percent higher mortality rate for rural Americans compared to those living in cities and suburbs.

"The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program represents one of the federal government's most successful rural health grant initiatives.

"These programs promote innovative solutions that help people in rural communities get the care they need, such as an increase in access to preventative health services and screenings, chronic care management, and other forms of care that are needed in our rural areas across the United States.

"In fact, several recipients in Georgia benefit from this program, including the Southern Healthcare Collaboration in Baxley, Georgia.

"By reauthorizing Rural Health Services Outreach Programs, this bill will lead to increased access to health care services for rural communities.

"In 2020, President Trump signed into law legislation reauthorizing Rural Health Outreach Services Programs under the 2020 CARES Act through fiscal year 2025.

"The Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 will extend these critical programs through 2030.

"Further bill changes will ensure that local rural needs are prioritized in grant awards.

"I applaud Senator Scott for introducing this bill with me, and I urge my colleagues to support it."