North Michigan News

Rep. Jack Bergman, along with his colleagues in the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, recently addressed the House floor to express their support for rural healthcare providers in Michigan's First District. In his speech, Rep. Bergman emphasized the unique challenges faced by healthcare providers in rural and remote areas, and the need for continued support.

One of the main issues highlighted by Rep. Bergman is the financial instability faced by rural healthcare providers. Unlike their urban and suburban counterparts, these providers struggle to maintain financial stability while delivering high-quality care. This has led to a significant increase in the closure of rural clinics and hospitals over the past decade, leaving many communities with limited access to healthcare services.

Rep. Bergman emphasized the impact of these closures, stating, "A single provider closing their doors could result in patients having to travel hundreds of miles farther to receive care." This highlights the urgency of finding solutions to ensure that rural communities have access to the care they need.

Telemedicine was also highlighted as a promising solution for improving rural healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance and effectiveness of telehealth, especially for those in remote areas who would otherwise have to travel long distances for routine checkups or consultations. Rep. Bergman urged Congress to permanently extend telehealth flexibilities that were implemented during the pandemic, as well as provide the necessary tools and resources for providers and patients to utilize telemedicine effectively.

Another important aspect of rural healthcare that Rep. Bergman emphasized is the 340B drug pricing program. This program provides discounted pharmaceutical products to providers that care for uninsured and at-risk patients. In Rep. Bergman's district alone, there are twenty 340B hospitals that play a vital role in caring for vulnerable populations. He stressed the importance of preserving and supporting this program, especially as it faces new challenges that threaten its integrity.

In conclusion, Rep. Bergman commended the dedication of rural and remote healthcare providers, stating, "I know our rural and remote providers will continue to do everything in their power to provide top-of-the-line care to their patients." He called on Congress to prioritize rural health priorities and work towards removing the barriers that hinder the success of these providers.

The speech by Rep. Bergman highlights the ongoing efforts to support rural healthcare and address the unique challenges faced by providers in these areas. It underscores the need for continued support, particularly in areas such as telemedicine and the 340B drug pricing program. By addressing these issues, Congress can help ensure that rural communities have access to the high-quality care they deserve.

Click this link to access more information: https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1148