Budzinski Holds Roundtable to Discuss Rural Health Transformation Funding Needs in Wake of OBBBA Cuts

SPRINGFIELD, IL - This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) hosted a roundtable conversation with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to discuss cuts to rural care in President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the fight for funding through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program.

In November, Budzinski led every Democratic Member of the Illinois delegation in a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz expressing support for Illinois' application for the RHT program. In December, it was announced that Illinois has been awarded $193,418,216 million per year for five years through the RHT program.

"Medicaid is a lifeline for countless Illinoisans - and the $137 billion in rural Medicaid cuts made in President Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" put that care in jeopardy. While I am hopeful that the funding Illinois received via the Rural Health Transformation program will aid our rural communities, this is a band-aid on a massive hole for healthcare in Illinois," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "This roundtable was a productive conversation with over 50 rural health providers who are on the front lines of this challenge. They shared their concerns, discussed what the road ahead looks like, and highlighted how we can work together to protect access to care."

The roundtable included representatives from the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network, Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois, Chestnut Health Systems, Macoupin County Public Health Department, and more.

"HFS is grateful for the support of Congresswoman Budzinski's office as we navigate the next steps of disseminating Rural Health Transformation Program funds," said HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. "HFS looks forward to pursuing the initiatives outlined in our application to serve the rural communities of Illinois through the establishment of grant parameters, the kickoff of workforce initiatives and the establishment of rural provider partnerships. These efforts will be key in expanding healthcare access to all communities in the state, which will help create better health outcomes for Illinoisans for years to come."

"I appreciate the efforts of Congresswoman Budzinski in coordinating informational webinars between the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and rural healthcare representatives. These sessions are helping stakeholders better understand the opportunities and implementation guidelines associated with the State of Illinois Rural Healthcare Transformation (RHT) Grant process. This collaboration will be instrumental in supporting rural healthcare organizations as they navigate the program and work to maximize the benefits of this transformational grant opportunity," said Larry Spurs, President of Community Hospital of Staunton.

"ICAHN appreciated the opportunity to work with Congresswoman Budzinski to bring rural healthcare providers together with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to discuss the Rural Health Transformation Program. Rural hospitals are eager to better understand how these resources will be implemented and how they can help strengthen access to care in rural communities. Continued communication and transparency will be essential as Illinois moves forward with this important investment in rural health," said Tracy Warner, Executive Director of the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network.

"Having the opportunity to join the call hosted by Representative Budzinski, it has allowed me to familiarize myself with the planning and processes of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and other agencies. I now have confidence that we, as a small rural independent critical access hospital, will be able to benefit from a portion of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Funding. Medicaid funding translates to roughly 28% of our payor mix, and the H.R.1 bill will negatively impact our organization. The Illinois HFS and other sister agencies have worked diligently around the Rural Health Transformation funding rules to prepare and develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen Illinois' rural healthcare for the future. It will serve as an invaluable resource for many of our rural hospitals in central and southern Illinois. I am grateful that Representative Budzinski allowed organizations outside of her district to join the call. It shed light on an otherwise frustrating chapter in healthcare," said Don Robbins, CEO of Massac Memorial Hospital.

"As a rural hospital CEO, I want to thank Representative Nikki Budzinski in supporting the Rural Health Transformation Program and providing an essential update this week. Rural hospitals face unique challenges, and programs like this are essential to strengthening care delivery, and ensuring patients can continue to access quality healthcare close to home. Representative Budzinski's efforts to keep rural providers informed about the status and next steps of the program are greatly appreciated. We value her continued commitment to rural healthcare and look forward to working together to advance solutions that support rural hospitals and the communities we serve," said Dana Adcock, CEO of Mason District Hospital.

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