Hyde-Smith backs Senate rural health bill that would help six Mississippi hospitals
Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is backing bipartisan legislation aimed at helping keep rural hospitals afloat.
Senate Bill 4460 would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program for another five years.
The federal program allows qualifying rural hospitals to receive enhanced Medicare reimbursements to help improve financial stability and maintain healthcare access in small communities.
Six Mississippi hospitals are currently part of the program, including the hospital in Picayune.
Hyde-Smith and the bills other sponsors say the program has helped participating hospitals improve Medicare margins, invest in infrastructure, and retain staff, all while keeping rural health care services closer to home.
