Access to healthcare is a major challenge for patients and providers alike in rural communities across America, including in small cities and villages across Nebraska’s Third District. Families face long driving distances when they need care most, and a lack of patient density impedes the finances of providers striving to serve expansive areas. Doing all we can to promote economic growth, attract and support healthcare professionals to live and work in our state, and encourage healthy lifestyles are essential components of advancing solutions for Nebraskans.
In Congress, I have fostered support among my colleagues for legislation to modernize payments for health providers, reduce regulatory burdens, and update telehealth rules to strengthen Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to better serve their communities.The Third District is served by over 50 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and over 100 RHCs, among the most of any congressional district, and I have led legislation to successfully repeal regulatory burdens on these hospitals and modernize Medicare payments to ensure RHCs can continue providing frontline care.
Leveraging technology can open new ways for providers to reach and improve outcomes for rural patients. I am grateful the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which I supported in the House and President Trump signed into law earlier this month, lowers barriers to telehealth services through a permanent provision based on my Telehealth Expansion Act. This ensures the millions of Americans with High-Deductible Health Plans can access affordable telehealth options before meeting their full deductible.
