Virginia Republican Delegation Sends Letter of Support for Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Funding Application

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Congressman John McGuire (VA-05), Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06), and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) released a letter they sent in support of the Commonwealth of Virginia's Rural Health Transformation Program application.

"Virginians deserve a healthcare system that works for them, no matter where they live," said Rep. Wittman. "Funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program will help rural health institutions - giving Virginians the care they deserve and helping individuals in rural communities access quality, critical health services. I'm proud to join my colleagues on this effort, and will continue my work to ensure that Virginians have access to affordable healthcare."

"Rural communities are an essential part of the Commonwealth, and ensuring access to high-quality health care close to home keeps families healthy and local economies strong. I was proud to support the Working Families Tax Plan and its historic investment in rural healthcare. The Rural Health Transformation Program will strengthen providers, expand access, and deliver better outcomes for patients who too often face long drives and limited options for care-and I believe Virginia will greatly benefit from this program. Thank you to Governor Glenn Youngkin's leadership on this issue and his commitment to advancing solutions for rural communities." - Rep. Jen Kiggans

"Rural communities are the backbone of Virginia, and they deserve a health care system that is reliable, accessible, affordable, and sustainable," said Rep McGuire. "The Rural Health Transformation Program will help rural hospitals improve efficiency, address staffing shortages, and remove barriers to care, like transportation. I'm proud to support this effort and will continue working to ensure every Virginian has access to quality health care."

"Rural Virginians should never have to travel hours or cross county lines just to see a doctor," said Rep. Ben Cline. "The Rural Health Transformation Program is an important opportunity to strengthen hospitals and clinics in our rural communities, address workforce shortages, and break down barriers to care like transportation and access to specialists. I'm proud to support Virginia's application and will continue working to ensure families across the Commonwealth can access quality, affordable healthcare."

"Thanks to Governor Youngkin's decisive leadership and comprehensive actions, rural communities in Virginia are one step closer to accessing federal funds from the Rural Health Transformation Program created through the reconciliation bill," said Rep. Griffith. "This additional funding opportunity will try to help Virginia address the health care challenges facing rural communities, deliver necessary resources and improve patient outcomes. When it comes to identifying rural health care solutions, our work is not finished. I will continue to be diligent, creative and forward-thinking."

The Working Families Tax Cut created the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program fund to support rural health institutions, with the goal of ensuring these providers remain long-term access points for care by improving efficiency and sustainability.

The letter of support urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider and look favorably upon Virginia's application. Funding from the Rural Health Transformation fund will help rural Virginia communities - ensuring that Virginians have access to quality medical care, eliminating barriers to access like transportation, and aiding understaffed hospitals.

Read the full letter here.