Democrats clashed with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policies in a hearing that also saw Sen. Peter Welch expressing concern over rural hospitals’ financial health
WASHINGTON — Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., put the future of hospitals in rural communities in the spotlight during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee regarding progress made in the health care system.
Welch was critical of President Donald Trump’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill. He predicted the cuts to Medicaid in the spending package passed by Republicans who hold majorities in Congress will create financial chaos for rural hospitals that are already teetering on the brink.
However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. defended the Trump administration’s spending priorities. He emphasized the One Big Beautiful Bill contains $50 billion in new grant funding over five years to improve health care access, quality, and outcomes in rural America. It is called the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Welch has repeatedly pointed to estimates that show 45,000 Vermonters could lose their health care coverage in the coming years because of the president’s policies.
“That is going to be a hammer blow to our hospitals, because those folks who lose health care don’t get a guarantee they won’t get sick, and they’re going to show up at our community hospitals,” Welch said during Thursday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing. “Our community hospitals are going to treat them, and they aren’t going to be compensated. And it’s why Vermont community hospitals are on financial thin ice. And that’s true, that about 338 hospitals around our country are in danger of closing.”
Earlier in the hearing, Kenney emphasized that rural hospitals have been facing challenges for years. He said the Rural Health Transformation Program is aimed at stabilizing their operations and creating a system-wide change that will strengthen the delivery of health care in rural America.
“We’re infusing a more than 50% increase in the amount of money that is going to rural communities over the next five years,” Kennedy said. “There’s never been anything like that in history. It is the biggest investment, and it should stem this hemorrhage.”
According to its website, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is currently working on getting information on the Rural Health Transformation Program out to the states this month. Grant decisions will be made before the end of the year, the text on the website notes.
Welch has been a vocal opponent of Kennedy’s service as HHS secretary. Welch voted against Kennedy’s confirmation and recently called for his resignation. Welch alleged Kennedy has undermined vaccine research and has policies that have harmed rural health.
During Thursday’s hearing, Kennedy said he is focused on identifying the root causes of chronic disease and ushering in “bold, competent” leadership at the Centers for Disease Control after what he characterized as a “disastrous” chapter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee repeatedly alleged that Kennedy’s leadership has emphasized junk science and an anti-vaccine crusade. Kennedy defended himself against much of the criticism.
In one testy exchange with Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Kennedy accused the senator of making up lies about him when she said he was contributing to widespread confusion about COVID-19 boosters. Hassan, who insisted she was not the one making things up, argued Kennedy’s policies will make it harder for Americans to get a vaccine, but the secretary claimed he is not doing anything to stand in the way of people getting the shots.
Welch also said he is going to continue advocating for an extension of a provision under the Affordable Care Act that provides eligible people with tax credits for health insurance premiums. Without an extension to the discounted premiums, Welch said more than 26,000 Vermonters could lose access to their care when prices climb to levels he called “unaffordable, shocking, and cruel.”
Story Written by Jack Thurston, NBC5
Story Link: https://www.mynbc5.com/article/senate-finance-committee-rfk-welch-rural-hospitals-vaccines/65985349