Grassroots Action Center
New Legislation Could Restore Critical Medicaid Funding
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act, legislation that would reverse harmful Medicaid cuts and dramatically expand rural hospital funding. This bipartisan opportunity could prevent devastating impacts on mental health services in rural and underserved communities.
What This Bill Does
S.2279 protects Medicaid funding:
Repeals provider tax moratorium that threatens state Medicaid financing.
Reverses scheduled reductions to state provider tax authority starting in 2028.
Eliminates provisions reducing Medicaid reimbursements through state-directed payments.
S.2279 expands rural hospital investment:
Doubles the Rural Health Transformation Fund from $50 billion to $100 billion.
Extends fund duration from 5 years to 10 years.
Provides sustainable, long-term support for critical-access providers.
Why This Matters for Mental Health
Rural hospitals and clinics are often the only mental health crisis services available in their communities. Currently, 76% of rural counties lack adequate mental health services.
Rural Americans face 40% higher suicide rates and significant barriers to mental health care.
Legislation could prevent widespread service gaps that would leave vulnerable populations without essential mental health support.
Contact Your Senators Immediately
Urge your senators to:
cosponsor the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act.
support increased rural mental health funding.
oppose any further Medicaid cuts that harm rural communities.
Provider tax reductions begin in some states as early as 2028. Many rural mental health services cannot survive these cuts without immediate congressional action.
Your advocacy can save rural mental health services and protect vulnerable communities.
