WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act, spearheaded by U.S.Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), advanced through committee today, paving the way for continued federal support of vital healthcare outreach programs in underserved rural communities. The bill aims to extend critical funding for programs designed to increase access to healthcare services in areas facing notable barriers to care.
Rural residents often experience higher mortality rates – 43 percent higher than those in urban areas – due to challenges like distance and transportation. The legislation seeks to address these disparities by reauthorizing the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Programs, which support innovative solutions such as preventative health services, screenings, and chronic care management. Several organizations in georgia,including the Southern Healthcare Collaboration in Baxley,currently benefit from these programs.
“mr. Chairman,I’d like to express my support for the bipartisan Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act that I have introduced with Senator Tim Scott,” Carter stated. “This legislation would reauthorize critical Rural Health Care Services Outreach Programs that increase access to health care services in rural communities.”
The bill builds upon previous legislation signed into law by President Trump in 2020, which reauthorized these programs through fiscal year 2025 under the CARES Act. The Improving Care in rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends these programs through 2030 and prioritizes local rural needs in grant awards.
“By reauthorizing Rural Health Services Outreach Programs, this bill will lead to increased access to health care services for rural communities,” Carter added.”I applaud Senator Scott for introducing this bill with me, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
