WASHINGTON — As more than 20 rural hospitals in Alabama are at an immediate risk of closing their doors, Congressman Shomari Figures introduced legislation to provide financial support to those struggling hospitals.
One of Figures’ top priorities since entering office earlier this year has been improving the health care system. His new bipartisan bill, named the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act, aims to tackle one aspect of the issue that is central to his district and the state.
The legislation would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to distribute grants to provide financial assistance to rural hospitals. The grant money of up to $5 million per hospital could be used toward operational costs and projects to repair or upgrade systems, facilities, and equipment.
“As we sit here today, there are at least four hospitals in the district that are on the verge of closing,” Figures, D-Mobile, told Alabama Daily News. “They are literally operating almost on a month-to-month status.”
In Alabama, 22 rural hospitals are at immediate risk of closing, and 26 are at risk of closure, according to a Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform report.
“I think everybody understands the importance that a hospital is to a community,” Figures told ADN. “Not just from a health care access standpoint, but from an economic standpoint.”
Figures introduced the bill alongside Republican Rep. Brian Jack of Georgia, a fellow freshman member. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, is a cosponsor. Georgia, like Alabama, has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
Federal grants have been upended under the Trump administration, but Figures said that because the bill is bipartisan and the grant program would be discretionary, he hopes it can gain more support.
“This is a very simple, straightforward, direct way to get something done, to get resources in the hands of the hospitals that need it most across this country, and we think that this is the best way to go about it right now,” Figures said.
Figures acknowledged the legislation would be an uphill climb in a Republican-controlled Congress, but he said the issue spans districts and red and blue states.
“I think people are willing to go above and beyond to maintain their communities and help put them in the best position to be as vital as they can or sustain their economic vitality,” Figures said. “And I think people on both sides of the aisle understand that and respect that.”
Under the bill, a rural hospital is defined as a hospital that is located at least 15 miles from the nearest hospital and at least 20 miles from the nearest urban area.
The Rural Hospital Stabilization Act has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.