Alabama House Rep. Ed Oliver has introduced two bills aimed at improving health outcomes and access in the state. The first bill, HB45, would require Alabama Medicaid to cover non-invasive colorectal cancer screening tests and subsequent colonoscopies for positive results. This measure is intended to save the state money in the long run and address the high rates of colon cancer in Alabama. The second bill, HB46, would increase the state’s tax credit for physicians practicing in rural areas from $5,000 to $10,000 in an effort to attract more healthcare providers to underserved areas.
Oliver, who chairs the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, has made addressing healthcare issues a priority. Although he is not currently considering expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, he is working on initiatives to improve healthcare access in rural communities. Other lawmakers have introduced bills to support rural hospitals, such as one that would have provided tax write-offs for donations to these facilities, but these measures have not yet passed.
Both of Oliver’s bills have been assigned to committees for further review and discussion in the upcoming legislative session. The 2025 session is set to begin on February 4th. Oliver remains committed to finding solutions to the healthcare challenges facing Alabama and believes that increasing incentives for physicians to practice in rural areas is a step in the right direction.
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