CAPITOL ASSOCIATES, INC.
Lobbying for NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RURAL HEALTH CLINICS
Connect for Health Act - S.1261 - Fixes telehealth reimbursement for RHCs Seeking to create a reimbursement benefit for RHCs vis a vis Medicare Advantage Informing Members of Congress of the impacts of Medicaid cut proposals on RHCs H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act - Opposing cuts to Medicaid Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act (H.R.593) Provides tax relief for certain health professional scholarships and loan payments intended to increase availability of health care services in underserved or health professional shortage areas. Rural Health Care Access Act of 2025 (H.R.771) Removes the requirement that prevents hospitals from pursuing a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation if it falls within 35-miles of another CAH. Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act (H.R.1317) Under Medicare and Medicaid, this act removes various barriers to practice for several RHC professionals, including NPs, certified nurse-midwives, and advanced practice registered nurses. Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025 (H.R.2433) Requires Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D prior authorization decisions to be made by physicians in the same specialty as the requesting provider Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 (H.R.2757) This bill adds audiologists as Medicare-covered providers in RHCs. Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 (S.1816) Streamlines the prior authorization process to reduce administrative burden on providers and improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Registered Nurses (RNs) for Rural Health Act (H.R.3878) Allows RNs at RHCs to conduct Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) and receive reimbursement from Medicare. Critical Access for Veterans Care Act (S.1868) Removes prior authorization and referral requirements for covered veterans seeking care under the Veterans Community Care Program at provider-based RHCs affiliated with CAHs. CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 (S.1261 and H.R. 4206) Includes the language necessary to achieve reimbursement parity for RHC telehealth visits. Save America's Rural Hospitals Act (H.R.3684) Includes the language necessary to achieve reimbursement parity for RHC telehealth visits. Prompt and Fair Pay Act (H.R.4559) Requires MA plans to provide reimbursement comparable to traditional Medicare. Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R.5081 and S.2709) Extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through FY 27 and includes language necessary to achieve reimbursement parity for RHC telehealth visits. Helping Ensure Access to Local TeleHealth Act (H.R.5496) Allows RHCs to permanently receive Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services. Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025 (H.R.5621) Expands Medicare coverage for Physical Therapy services at RHCs.
Rural Health Clinic Workforce Initiative ~ Grant program to cover startup costs of hiring needed clinicians in RHCs
Premium Tax Credit Extension Act (H.R.5145) Extends ACA subsidies for 1 year. H.R.5217 Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act of 2025 Removes limitation on amount of behavioral health services RHCs can provide. H.R.5198 Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act of 2025 Updates RHC statute to keep status quo in alignment with 2020 Census Bureau change. H.R.5199 Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act of 2025 Aligns NP and PA medical director supervision requirements with state scope of practice laws. H1-B waiver fee of $100,000 - opposition for negative impacts on rural workforce. Issues related to RHC Skilled Nursing Facility incorrect claims denials. Issues related to RHC flu/pnuemo billing not working properly Issues related to RHC care management services not being billed properly