Recognizing that access to hospitals and other health care providers for patients in rural areas of the United States is essential to the survival and success of communities in the United States.

Recognizes that: (1) access to hospitals and other health care providers for patients in rural areas is essential to the survival and success of communities, (2) strengthening access to hospitals and other health care providers for patients in rural areas makes Medicare more cost-effective and improves health outcomes for patients, and (3) rural health care providers are integral to the local economies and are one of the largest types of employers in rural areas. Celebrates the many dedicated medical professionals who work hard each day to deliver quality care to people living in rural areas.