Southern West Virginia News

Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), and Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), introduced the Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act (PEAKS) Act. The PEAKS Act would ensure Critical Access Hospitals in mountainous areas receive fair compensation for ambulatory services and modify distance requirements.

Congresswoman Miller emphasized the importance of the PEAKS Act, stating, “Everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to quality and affordable health care. 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. The Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act (PEAKS Act) is life-saving legislation that will ensure Critical Access Hospitals in mountainous areas are compensated fairly for the ambulatory services they provide to patients and positively impact rural communities across the nation. It’s imperative that all patients, especially those that live in unforgiving terrain, can access emergency medical care.”

Congresswoman Caraveo echoed Miller's sentiments, saying, “Every Coloradan deserves access to emergency medical services regardless of where they live, and hospitals deserve proper compensation for their risky and often life-saving care. 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."

Senator Manchin highlighted the need for the PEAKS Act by pointing out that the Appalachian region, where West Virginia is located, has a high number of people living in ambulance deserts. He stated, “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral PEAKS Act to ensure every West Virginian and American living in mountainous areas are able to reliably depend on ambulance services during an emergency. Our legislation would also allow rural hospitals to receive the reimbursements they deserve for providing life-saving services to their communities and protect them from losing their unique status."

Similarly, Senator Capito emphasized the importance of the PEAKS Act for residents of West Virginia, saying, “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. The PEAKS Act addresses this challenge and will ensure even our most rural residents can depend on ambulance services and our critical access hospitals are able to provide the care these residents need and deserve."

The PEAKS Act aims to allow Critical Access Hospitals located in mountainous areas to be reimbursed for their emergency medical transportation services and ensure that they do not lose their designation despite the presence of any new hospital within 15 miles.