Capital District Times

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik recently penned an op-ed in North Country Now, emphasizing her dedication to ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare for rural communities. Stefanik highlighted the importance of supporting hospitals in remote areas to maintain essential healthcare services.

Stefanik expressed, "During my tenure in Congress, I have strongly advocated for delivering high-quality rural healthcare for our families and seniors." She pointed out the challenges faced by rural hospitals, stating, "These communities depend on their local hospitals to provide lifesaving care and treatments for their families yet the unique challenges of serving remote areas have led an increasing number of rural hospitals to shut down over the past decade."

Citing data from the University of North Carolina, Stefanik noted that "191 rural hospitals have closed or converted to emergency or outpatient care over the last 18 years." She underscored the financial difficulties faced by rural hospitals, leading many to struggle to remain financially viable.

Stefanik highlighted her support for the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, which has proven effective in reducing the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and increasing access to care in medically underserved regions. She mentioned several hospitals in NY-21 that benefit from the CAH designation.

The Congresswoman shared her efforts in advocating for the Protecting Rural Access to Care Act, stating, "I authored the bipartisan Protecting Rural Access to Care Act to protect hospitals at risk of losing their designation." She detailed her actions to address CMS's policy error that threatened hospitals' CAH status, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for Carthage Area Hospital, Alice Hyde Medical Center, and Massena Hospital.

Stefanik affirmed her commitment to ensuring hospitals in NY-21 have the necessary resources to expand access to care throughout Upstate New York and the North Country. She concluded by expressing her dedication to continuing to advocate for rural healthcare.

For more information, the full opinion piece can be found on North Country Now's website.