The work of rural healthcare providers is sacred— offering not just medical care, but comfort, dignity, and presence in times of crisis and celebration alike. Yet Congress is poised to threaten the very institutions that make this healthcare possible, putting lives and communities at risk.  

The so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill" is currently under consideration by the U.S. Senate after the House passed the bill in May. While the bill defunds most federal programs for the poor, it would specifically reduce federal Medicaid spending by $723 billion over the next 10 years.  

This will have a disproportionate impact on rural healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. Folks in rural areas are less likely to have private coverage compared to those in urban and other areas, so Medicaid traditionally helps fill this gap in private coverage, covering nearly one in four individuals in rural areas. In many states, Medicaid coverage rates are higher in rural areas than in urban areas or other areas of the state. 

Rural hospitals, which rely heavily on Medicaid and already operate on thin margins, will be hit hardest—many may be forced to close their doors for good. This bill slashes Medicaid by imposing harsh work requirements, adding $35 copays, and blocking those removed from re-enrolling through the ACA Marketplace—leaving 11 million people uninsured. Uninsured patients still seek care, often in emergency rooms, driving up overcrowding, delaying urgent care, and pushing uncompensated care costs to $278 billion over the next decade.  

Protecting rural healthcare workers is a profound expression of our faith’s call to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable. The work of these institutions is an embodiment of compassion, justice, and healing that echoes the ministry of Jesus, who went out to the margins to serve.  

Supporting and safeguarding rural healthcare is a moral imperative for people of faith who believe that every person deserves to be safe, healthy, and cared for. Tell your senators today to vote NO on this Big Evil Bill!