Heinrich, Luján Introduce Legislation to Improve New Mexicans’ Access to Healthcare & Keep Rural Hospitals Open

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to improve New Mexicans' access to healthcare and keep rural hospitals open by extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program for another five years.

Many small rural hospitals are too large to qualify for Critical Access Hospital status, but still struggle to stay open under Medicare's current payment system. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program helps address this gap by allowing certain hospitals to receive payments that better reflect the cost of care. Since 2005, the program has supported 55 rural hospitals across the country, helping keep their doors open and providing valuable insight into how to strengthen rural healthcare.

New Mexico hospitals currently participating in the RCHD program include Roosevelt General Hospital and Artesia General Hospital. This legislation would provide these New Mexico hospitals with the opportunity to extend their participation, should they choose to remain in the RCHD program.

"Access to a nearby hospital in a rural community can make a life-or-death difference for folks needing emergency care in minutes, not hours. But that requires keeping rural hospitals open. Extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program is an important step toward making that happen," said Heinrich. "No one in New Mexico should have to travel hours to receive the care they need, whether they're in a moment of crisis, getting routine treatment, or welcoming the newest member of their family."

"Access to a nearby hospital is critical for people living in our rural communities throughout New Mexico. When emergencies happen, care close to home saves lives," said Luján. "Right now, many rural hospitals in New Mexico are at risk of closing. Extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program is essential to helping keep those doors open and ensuring families can get the care they need. I'll keep fighting to protect health care access for every New Mexican and make sure it's never out of reach."

"I am so grateful to Senator Heinrich and Senator Luján for supporting the continuation of CMS's Rural Hospital Demonstration program. This program is vital for rural community hospitals who don't qualify for Critical Access Hospital designation, which allows for higher, cost-based reimbursement for inpatient and swing bed care. These services are typically sources of financial loss for small hospitals due to low volume, but they are necessary to support our community. This program helps to ensure long term sustainability and availability of vital healthcare in rural communities, and we are very thankful for their support," said Kaye Green, CEO of Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales, N.M.

The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).

The full text of the legislation is here.

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