Young, Indiana Delegation Members Advocate for Funding for Rural Healthcare

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined U.S. Representative Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and a majority of the Indiana delegation in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz urging HHS to allocate the highest possible level of funding from the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program to Indiana.

Congress recently appropriated $50 billion to strengthen healthcare in rural communities nationwide. The letter emphasizes that this investment is vital to supporting Indiana's rural hospitals, community health centers, and healthcare providers, which serve more than 1.49 million Hoosiers living in rural communities across the state.

"Indiana is home to 42 rural counties, and our rural communities play a vital role in feeding the nation and supporting our economy," the members wrote. "Yet, they face some of the most significant healthcare challenges in the country. Allocating the highest possible funding to Indiana will help us protect access to care, keep hospital doors open, and ensure healthier futures for Hoosiers."

The letter outlines the pressing challenges Indiana's rural healthcare facilities have faced over the past few decades, including:

• Hospital closures and service reductions: Five of Indiana's 52 rural hospitals are at risk of closing, and 13 have already cut back services.
• Provider shortages: 71 of Indiana's 92 counties are designated health professional shortage areas.
• Limited maternal care: More than 20 rural counties lack a labor and delivery provider, placing expectant mothers and babies at serious risk.
• Emergency response gaps: Half of Indiana's counties are considered ambulance deserts, with average trauma response times of 17-30 minutes compared to just 3 minutes in urban areas.

The letter also highlights that these shortages and access barriers threaten long-term health outcomes for rural Hoosiers, making federal support through the Rural Health Transformation Program critical.

"Indiana's rural healthcare providers work tirelessly with limited resources to serve their communities," the members continued. "Federal investment is essential to strengthening these systems, expanding preventative care, and ensuring every Hoosier has access to the services they need."

The lawmakers conclude the letter by affirming their commitment to working with federal leaders to secure maximum funding for Indiana under this program.

Senator Young and Representative Yakym were joined by U.S. Senator Jim Banks and U.S. Representatives Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN-03), Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN-06), Andre Carson (D-IN-07), Mark Messmer (R-IN-08), and Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) in sending the letter.

Full text of the letter can be found here.