MOYLAN CO-LEADS THE RURAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES REVITALIZATION ACT AS AN ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- NOVEMBER 13, 2023
MOYLAN CO-LEADS THE RURAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES REVITALIZATION ACT AS AN ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR
(Washington, D.C.) With the intent of providing some financial support for the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) along with other local healthcare facilities, Congressman James Moylan joined Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, M.D. (CO-08), Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), in introducing the Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act, which would authorize rural health facilities to use federal agricultural funds to ensure long-term financial stability.
If enacted, the measure would address certain financial concerns within the healthcare community on island by allowing rural healthcare facilities, including hospitals, mobile healthcare clinics, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities, to use Community Facility Loans or loan guarantees under the U.S. Department of Agriculture to:
• Refinance debt, which will help facilities manage their financial obligations.
• Update telehealth services, medical equipment, and online databases, ensuring these
facilities can provide up-to-date services with digital technology.
• Support ancillary needs, including operating expenses and reserve funds, to help position
rural healthcare facilities for long-term stability.
• In addition, the bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to waive credit requirements for
facilities in financial distress or vulnerable areas.
The bill will ensure that rural healthcare facilities have the necessary support to keep their doors open and continue providing life-saving and timely care to thousands of individuals in their respective communities.
“While the discussions continue for the need for a new hospital on Guam, which we don’t disagree with, and while our office continues conversations with federal partners in seeking financing options for a new facility, several things still need to be considered. The most important factor is the reality that we still need to maintain GMH, because a new hospital will not experience an open house ceremony for years. This would require access to funds outside of the General Fund to ensure our community receives the quality care they deserve, hence why we are advocating for this measure,” added Congressman Moylan. “I would like to thank Dr. Caraveo for asking me to be one of the original co-sponsors of the bipartisan Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act. The health care issues we face on Guam mirror many of the concerns in many rural communities, and access to reasonable financing opportunities could assist with updating medical equipment or databases at GMH or even provide private healthcare entities the flexibility of enhancing or improving their services,” added Congressman Moylan.