South Bend Times

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has led a bipartisan effort, joined by 10 of Indiana’s 11 congressional delegation members, urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to prioritize Indiana for funding from the new Rural Health Transformation Program.

The lawmakers sent a letter to Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz, requesting that Indiana receive the highest possible allocation from the $50 billion recently appropriated by Congress to support rural healthcare nationwide. The letter highlights the importance of this investment for more than 1.49 million Hoosiers living in rural areas 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 outlines several ongoing challenges facing rural healthcare providers in Indiana:

- Five out of 52 rural hospitals are at risk of closing, with another 13 having already reduced services.

- Seventy-one out of ninety-two counties are classified as health professional shortage areas.

- More than twenty rural counties lack labor and delivery providers.

- Half of Indiana’s counties are considered ambulance deserts with trauma response times averaging between seventeen and thirty minutes—much longer than urban averages.

The legislators argue that these barriers could harm long-term health outcomes for people living in rural parts of Indiana and say federal support through the Rural Health Transformation Program is essential.

“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.”

In addition to Rep. Yakym’s leadership, signatories included Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young as well as Representatives 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).

Support for this initiative has come from various health organizations within Indiana. Scott B. Tittle, President of Indiana Hospital Association said: “Indiana’s rural hospitals are facing extraordinary challenges... 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... These investments are critical to keeping hospital doors open and ensuring all Hoosiers have access to high-quality care.”

Alan Fisher, President and CEO of Woodlawn Health added: “Every day, we see the challenges rural Hoosier communities face in accessing quality healthcare with special consideration for Obstetrics... Funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program is essential... These investments will strengthen our workforce, expand services, and build healthier futures across our state.”

Melissa Mitchell, CEO of HealthLinc stated: “Indiana’s 1.49 million rural residents rely on providers like ours... The Rural Health Transformation Program represents a critical opportunity to address these challenges... To maximize the federal dollars available... will provide the best return on investment for these funds.”

Rudy Yakym has represented Indiana's 2nd District since 2022 after graduating from Indiana University South Bend with both an associate's degree in 2009 and a bachelor's degree in 2011. He was born in 1984 and lives in Granger.