The Senate is currently debating H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. As of Sunday evening, a total of 165 amendments had been formally submitted, the vast majority of which will not be voted upon. There are many rural provisions that have been submitted, though it is unknown when or if these amendments will be voted on. Colorado's Senator Bennet has submitted an amendment entitled the Rural Health Access and Improvement Act, which would prioritize Critical Access Hospitals to receive grants to implement Health Information technology, expand participation in Drug Pricing Agreement program under Section 340B of PHS Act, provide for a study and report on Pharmacy Dispensing Fees under Medicaid, and provide continuing funding for the State offices of Rural Health. Colorado's Senator Udall also plans to submit an amendement that would create a grant program for medical schools to offer Rural Training Tracks, which encourages and trains medical students to practice medicine in rural areas.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Senate is expected to continue debating the healthcare reform proposal and the plethora of amnedments throughout the next few weeks. You can also visit the National Rural Health Association to stay on top of current healthcare reform news.
