North Dakota bill would give $3.5 million to rural hospitals
A bill in the North Dakota legislature would give rural hospitals in the state $3.5 million to help cover costs.By: Associated Press,
BISMARCK — Most of North Dakota's rural hospitals lose money, and a bill in the state Legislature would give them more state and federal aid.
Hospitals can receive the "critical access" designation if they're more than 35 miles from another hospital. Supporters of the bill say several hospitals may have to close without more aid, and they're vital for rural communities.
Federal and state taxpayers pay hospitals that treat Medicaid patients. Supporters say cuts to those payments have crippled many hospitals.
The bill would give $3.5 million to help cover those costs. About 60 percent of the funds would be federal money.
The state House approved the bill 93-1 earlier this month. The Senate Human Services Committee reviewed it today and took no action.
The bill is HB1152.
Tags: nd legislature, nd politics, health care, updates, legislature, hospitals, news
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