In a September 7 open letter to health care stakeholders, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) said the Committee  is seeking information about Improving Access to Health Care in Rural and Underserved Areas. The Committee is seeking to “identify how geographic barriers, misaligned Medicare payment incentives, and consolidation may be driving facility closures and workforce shortages.”

Smith outlined five areas for which the Committee is seeking comment: geographic payment differences, sustainable provider and facility financing, aligning sites of service, the health care workforce, and innovative models and technology.

LeadingAge looks forward to reviewing the request for information and providing comment before the Committee’s October 5 deadline.