Reps. Stansbury and Joyce Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Address the U.S. Rural Healthcare Crisis

WASHINGTON D.C. - Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) and Congressman John Joyce (R-PA) introduced the SURS Extension Act, to continue a vital federal program called Small, Underserved, and Rural Support (SURS)-which helps support small, rural healthcare clinics and practices across the U.S.

Across the U.S., more than 43 million Americans do not have access to basic healthcare services. As rural clinics struggle to stay open due to ongoing financial pressures and workforce challenges, the SURS Extension Act addresses these challenges by providing technical support to clinics in underserved areas. This includes help participating in Medicare programs that help keep communities healthy.

"Our healthcare providers in New Mexico and across the country are the backbone of our communities. Yet, far too many of our rural health care providers are struggling to continue to provide care," said Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury. "The SURS Extension Act will help continue to support small clinics and practices across New Mexico--especially those in our rural communities where it is needed most."

"Rural practitioners confront a variety of challenges unique to their individual practice settings on a daily basis," said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. "The SURS Extension Act will provide necessary support for small practices in complying with complex Medicare reporting requirements so they can remain focused on delivering high quality care for our seniors."

"As the healthcare system shifts towards value-based care and focuses on quality over volume, it is imperative that rural providers and patients are not left behind," said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. "That is why the SURS Act is critical. The National Rural Health Association thanks Representatives Stansbury and Joyce for introducing this legislation and ensuring that small and rural providers have technical assistance available to help them participate in the Quality Payment Program."

"Rural and underserved providers and communities are facing significant challenges in today's health care landscape," said Dvora Lovinger, Vice President of Congressional Relations and Social Impact of The National Partnership for Women and Families. "The QPP-SURS program offers technical assistance to these providers to ensure they have the support and tools necessary to provide person-centered care and care coordination for millions of women with Medicare. Without this critical infrastructure assistance, disparities could worsen in communities already facing limited access to high-quality health care. The National Partnership for Women and Families is pleased to endorse the SURS Extension Act, a bipartisan bill to extend this program and incentivize a transition to value-based care."

"Reauthorizing the QPP Small, Underserved, and Rural Support (SURS) program would restore critical technical assistance for clinicians practicing in small and rural communities, helping them successfully navigate MIPS and alternative payment models," said Dr. Sarah Nosal, MD, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians. "This support is especially important for practices with limited administrative resources that are already facing increasing regulatory complexity and performance expectations. The AAFP is proud to support the SURS Extension Act and appreciates Representatives Stansbury and Joyce for championing bipartisan legislation to support family physicians."

The SURS Extension Act is a bipartisan bill to continue funding and authorization for the Small, Underserved, and Rural Support (SURS) program through 2031. The SURS program is a federal initiative that helps small healthcare clinics-especially those in rural and medically underserved areas-participate in Medicare's Quality Payment Program (QPP).

The program was originally created in 2015 and provides technical assistance to healthcare practices with 15 or fewer clinicians, especially in rural communities and areas with healthcare provider shortages, by providing technical guidance, training, and support, for improving and tracking patient outcomes.

By helping practices succeed in these areas, SURS seeks to help keep:

• Keep rural clinics open
• Improve healthcare quality
• Expand access to care
• Reduce administrative burdens, and
• Encourage adoption of modern, value-based healthcare systems.

The legislation is endorsed by the National Rural Health Association, the National Partnership for Women and Families, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

View the bill texthere.