Charleston Leader

Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, alongside Senators Joe Manchin and Representatives Carol Miller and Yadira Caraveo, introduced the Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act (PEAKS Act) in Washington, D.C. The bill aims to support Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in rural, mountainous areas by allowing them to operate ambulatory services under a special enhanced Medicare payment model.

Senator Capito emphasized the importance of the PEAKS Act in addressing the challenges faced by residents in mountainous regions, stating, “As residents of the Mountain State, we are proud of our beautiful peaks. At the same time, we are also aware of the challenges our mountainous topography can cause for transportation, including ambulances.”

Senator Manchin highlighted the critical need for reliable ambulance services in mountainous areas, stating, “The Appalachian region, which West Virginia lies completely within, has one of the highest shares of people living in ambulance deserts than any other region in the country.”

Rep. Miller, speaking from her experience in West Virginia, emphasized the significance of fair compensation for Critical Access Hospitals in mountainous areas, saying, “My home state of West Virginia has more Critical Access Hospitals in mountainous areas than any other state in the country, and I know how hard it can be for those who live in rural, mountainous regions to receive treatment in a timely manner.”

Similarly, Rep. Caraveo stressed the importance of the PEAKS Act in ensuring access to emergency medical services for all residents, regardless of their location, stating, “It’s high time for us to pass the PEAKS Act, which would ensure that the cost of ambulance services is covered all across Colorado.”

The PEAKS Act addresses the current lack of reimbursement for ambulatory services provided by CAHs in mountainous areas under the enhanced Medicare payment model. The bill aims to support these unique hospitals financially and ensure access to ambulance services for residents in rural and mountainous regions.

The introduction of the PEAKS Act reflects a bipartisan effort to improve healthcare access in underserved areas and provide essential support to Critical Access Hospitals across the nation.