Rep. Yakym Leads Bipartisan Letter to Improve Rural Healthcare for Hoosiers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02), along with 10 out of the 11 members of the Indiana delegation, led a letter to Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to allocate the highest possible level of funding from the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program to Indiana.

Congress recently appropriated $50 billion to strengthen healthcare in rural communities nationwide. The letter emphasized that this investment is vital to helping Indiana's rural hospitals, community health centers, and healthcare providers continue serving more than 1.49 million Hoosiers who live in rural communities across the state.

"Indiana is home to 42 rural counties, and our rural communities play a vital role in feeding the nation and supporting our economy," they wrote. "Yet, they face some of the most significant healthcare challenges in the country. Allocating the highest possible funding to Indiana will help us protect access to care, keep hospital doors open, and ensure healthier futures for Hoosiers."

The letter outlined the pressing challenges rural healthcare facilities face in Indiana, including:

• Hospital closures and service reductions: Five of Indiana's 52 rural hospitals are at risk of closing, and 13 have already cut back services.
• Provider shortages: 71 of Indiana's 92 counties are designated health professional shortage areas.
• Limited maternal care: More than 20 rural counties lack a labor and delivery provider, placing expectant mothers and babies at serious risk.
• Emergency response gaps: Half of Indiana's counties are considered ambulance deserts, with average trauma response times of 17-30 minutes compared to just 3 minutes in urban areas.

They also stressed that these shortages and access barriers threaten long-term health outcomes for rural Hoosiers, making federal support through the Rural Health Transformation Program critical.

"Indiana's rural healthcare providers work tirelessly with limited resources to serve their communities," they continued. "Federal investment is essential to strengthening these systems, expanding preventative care, and ensuring every Hoosier has access to the services they need."

The lawmakers concluded by affirming their commitment to working with federal leaders to secure maximum funding for Indiana under this program.

Rep. Yakym was joined by Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young and Reps. Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), Andre Carson (IN-07), Mark Messmer (IN-08), and Erin Houchin (IN-09).

Read the full letter HERE.

Additionally, the letter has received support from several Indiana health organizations.

"Indiana's rural hospitals are facing extraordinary challenges," Scott B. Tittle, President of Indiana Hospital Association said. "With nearly half our state considered rural and many facilities operating at a loss or facing closure, the Rural Health Transformation Program represents a critical lifeline for these communities. We are grateful to Rep. Yakym and our Congressional leaders for championing this effort and look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy, Administrator Oz, and our state and federal partners to ensure Indiana receives its fair share of increased federal support. These investments are critical to keeping hospital doors open and ensuring all Hoosiers have access to high-quality care."

"Every day, we see the challenges rural Hoosier communities face in accessing quality healthcare with special consideration for Obstetrics," Alan Fisher, President and CEO of Woodlawn Health said. "Funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program is essential to help us care for and continue to provide needed services such as Obstetrics for all who call rural Indiana home, including families, seniors, farmers. These investments will strengthen our workforce, expand services, and build healthier futures across our state. We thank Representative Yakym and the Indiana delegation for working to secure the highest possible funding for the Hoosier state."

In a letter of support, HealthLinc CEO Melissa Mitchell wrote: "Indiana's 1.49 million rural residents rely on providers like ours, yet we are contending with hospital closures, provider shortages, gaps in maternal care and emergency response delays that put families at risk. These barriers not only strain our communities today but also threaten the long-term health outcomes of future generations. The Rural Health Transformation Program represents a critical opportunity to address these challenges. To maximize the federal dollars available, including the dedicated and high-quality work of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Indiana's application and planning process, will provide the best return on investment for these funds." Read their full letter HERE.

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