North Dakota lawmakers prepare for potential federal funds for rural healthcare

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Under a new program, fostered by the Big Beautiful Bill Act, states have the chance to receive federal funding. North Dakota is hoping to receive those funds to improve rural health care access, quality, and sustainability.

“A fair amount of money will be going to programs that help rural people stay healthier, and help rural people get to health care providers quickly and in matter of where it is workable for them,” said Sen. Tim Mathern, (D) Fargo.

North Dakota lawmakers are working to receive up to $500 million dollars over the next five years. While Sen. Mathern mentions the original project summary estimates up to a $1 billion for ten years. Which he hopes is possible to receive.

“To get that, we need to emphasize prevention, wellness, and doing it in such a way that all of our citizens can take part,” said Mathern.

According to the University of North Dakota, rural North Dakotans face higher rates of chronic conditions and mortality rates than people living in urban areas. Nearly half of North Dakotans live in rural communities, and nearly three in ten live in frontier areas.

“A lot of us need to watch our weight, not only for diabetes purposes, but for other health conditions. And so we have to think about what we’re eating, when we eat, and all of that kind of things. And if somebody isn’t seeing their doctor very often, or whoever their primary care provider is…you can’t make anybody do something, but that’s a big change for somebody who’s lived a long time,” said Sen. Judy Lee, (R) West Fargo.

While there have been some concerns over the proposed funding, the committee plans to meet in person the week of January 12th.

The award decision will be announced on December 31st.