WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Pemiscot Memorial Hospital for Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) status and confirmed that the facility will receive approximately two million dollars in backpay:

Congressman Smith said, “Thousands of families in rural communities in both Pemiscot and Dunklin counties rely on Pemiscot Memorial Hospital for emergency care, primary care, and for the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is nearby when they need it most. I applaud Administrator Mehmet Oz and CMS for officially granting the hospital REH status and approving nearly two million dollars in backpay. Throughout this process, my staff and I have continued to engage directly with CMS to advocate for Pemiscot Memorial Hospital and preserve the last remaining source of emergency medicine in Missouri’s Bootheel. REH status is a lifeline for rural hospitals like Pemiscot Memorial that have struggled for years to keep their doors open, and this decision ensures the facility will be able to serve the people of southeast Missouri for years to come.

“I will continue to support rural hospitals in southeast Missouri and ensure that federal agencies understand the unique challenges faced by our rural communities. This approval is a major win for every family who depends on this hospital.”

The Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation is a federal classification for rural facilities created by Congress in 2020 to preserve access to essential health care in rural communities like Pemiscot County that are at risk of losing their local hospital. Unlike most hospitals, REHs receive sustained Medicare investment so that they can provide 24/7 emergency care, observation services, and outpatient treatment. This designation will ensure that Pemiscot Memorial Hospital can continue to deliver critical, life-saving care to patients locally without them having to travel long distances to receive it.