RHCA

Was enacted in 1977 and authorizes the expanded use of physician assistants, nurse practitioners and certified nurse practitioners; extends Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement to designated clinics; and raises Medicaid reimbursement levels to those set by Medicare.
 * __Term:__ RHCA** Rural Health Clinics Act Public Law 95-210
 * __Description:__** The Rural Health Clinics Act was passed in 1977 and implemented in 1978 with the objective of increasing primary health care services for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries living in rural areas. Also the RHCA created a cost-based payment mechanism to ensure the financial viability of RHC’s and encourage the use of mid-level practitioners by payment for their services.


 * __Application:__ ** In order for a RHC to be classified as a RHC by the HCFA is must meet certain criteria. First it must be located in rural and shortage area designated by the Public Health Services. Also it must be classified by Medicare as an Independent or Provider-based facility.

One of the benefits of the RHC is that it allows rural communities in America to establish health care clinics. Idaho and Montana are heavily dependent upon Medicare and Medicaid support to primary and emergency care to those living in remote mountainous area. Many RHC in these type areas are the essential health care source for the entire community. Providing care for Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance; as well as, uninsured sometimes even provide care for those who cannot afford it for free. http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/t970213d.html http://www.pohly.com/terms_r.html http://www.aapa.org/gandp/rhc.html
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Andy Butler