“Our rural hospitals are currently at a disadvantage,” Jones stated. “They cannot participate in programs that compensate the hospitals that treat Medicaid patients. The law should help these small facilities adjust to changes in modern health care delivery so that all patients have access to quality medical care when they need it.” 

Congressman Jones co-sponsored the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program bill (H.R. 4793) to end the prohibition on various small, rural hospitals from participating in the DSH program on the basis that they have at least two obstetricians who treat Medicaid patients. This bill would allow these hospitals to apply for assistance by waiving the two-obstetrician requirement. 

H.R. 4793 would empower States to designate rural hospitals to partake in existing DSH program funds.  It would not impact the federal budget.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Commerce for consideration.