Policy and Advocacy Overview
NRHA Hot Topics - 2008
During the summer months of 2008, the NRHA's policy and advocacy team is focused on a couple fast moving issues that will have a large impact on rural health for years to come. To highlight these topics, we have included links at the top of this page. If you have any questions about any of these topics or any other work on policy and advocacy issues, contact our staff at 202-639-0550 or dc@nrharural.org.
- 2008 Medicare Package - Congress is working on a package to halt a scheduled 10.6 percent payment cut to physicians and other providers paid under the physician fee schedule and also provide a host of other benefits to rural providers.
- Medicaid Regulations Moratorium Legislation - Congress is seeking to keep seven Medicaid regulations, which would cripple many states' Medicaid budget, from being implemented.
- Appropriations - Congress is working on this year's Appropriations or funding bill of the programs that make up the "rural health safety net."
- Regulatory Response and Comments - In the final year of Administration, a host of regulatory changes are often proposed. The NRHA is reviewing each and responding to protect the rural health delivery system.
Overview of NRHA's government affairs office
The NRHA's government affairs office in Washington, DC, advocates the Association’s legislative and regulatory policies and positions before the Congress, federal agencies and the White House. The Association serves as one of the primary rural resources to elected officials, policy leaders, and other organizations on issues related to federally sponsored rural health initiatives and programs.
Through activities such as the Annual Rural Health Policy Institute and ongoing grassroots campaigns and activities, NRHA volunteer members actively participate in advocacy efforts to bring about appropriate rural health policy and legislation.
NRHA’s legislative and regulatory agenda is developed through solicited input from the full membership. New policies are first adopted through the Rural Health Congress, and then the legislative and regulatory agenda is approved each year by the Government Affairs Committee. The agenda ultimately reflects the mission and values of the organization.
For more information about any advocacy or policy issue, please contact our government affairs staff at 202-639-0550 or dc@nrharural.org.
Links to information on current legislation
- Information on individual bills and pending legislation
- Information from the U.S. Senate
- Information from the U.S. House of Representatives
- Information from the President and his Administration
Tools for Advocacy
NRHA has created this list of advocacy tools, available on our website, to help you become a better advocate for Rural Health. These links are in addition to all the news you will find by going to the Government Affairs News, Regulatory Affairs and Appropriations Updates:
