On Tuesday, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) introduced the Fairness for Rural Teaching Hospitals Act.

If passed, the act would help extend the Medicare Dependent Hospital program through 2027.

The program was created by Congress in 1987 to support small, rural hospitals, whose patient base is primarily composed of Medicare recipients.

Fourteen of the hospitals operate a teaching program which creates the next generation of rural physicians and health care employees.

"It extends Medicare funding, to rural hospitals that would otherwise be reduced, without this bill in very much of an unfair manor. It would very much jeopardize the economic strength of many of our hospitals, within my district" says Congressman Meuser.

St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital will benefit, along with 137 other hospitals across the country.

Without Congressional action, the program will end on Friday, December 16th.