Merchant McIntyre Fly-In Empowers Rural Health Leadership in Washington

On November 18 and 19, 2025, the Merchant McIntyre firm hosted its second annual National Rural Health Day (NRHD) Fly-In in Washington, D.C. This event brought together CEOs from rural health systems nationwide, providing them a platform to voice their concerns and advocate for the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. With November being recognized as Rural Health Month, the gathering served as an essential reminder of the commitment and challenges faced by rural healthcare providers.

The fly-in featured well-known healthcare leaders from rural areas, who participated in strategic discussions with Congress members, congressional staff, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These sessions aimed to bolster federal rural health policy at a pivotal time, especially concerning newly introduced initiatives, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program.

Highlighting Rural Health Priorities

During this crucial event, rural health leaders discussed a unified policy agenda that reflects the challenges experienced by the one-fifth of Americans living in rural areas. Felissa Koernig, CEO of Oneida Health, emphasized that the NRHD Fly-In was a timely opportunity to present the immediate needs of rural patients and providers directly to policymakers. The discussions revolved around investments in infrastructure—be it physical, technological, or workforce training—required to uplift the rural healthcare system.

A key moment during the fly-in was Dr. Oz’s engagement with the participants. He provided insights into the healthcare priorities of the current administration, especially regarding the RHT Program. Dr. Oz talked about the need to enhance interoperability among electronic medical records (EMRs) across various provider setups. Moreover, he stressed the importance of securely identifying patients and maintaining a precise national provider registry, which are part of a broader agenda toward data modernization.

The attendees also raised concerns about the obstacles rural hospitals face when trying to modernize their EMR systems, urging for fewer barriers that prevent patient enrollment in essential care programs.

Advocating for Sustainable Federal Support

Advocacy was a significant aspect of the fly-in, with rural health CEOs engaging directly with their congressional delegates. Holding these discussions underscored the importance of sustained federal support to improve rural healthcare services. Among the various topics addressed, participants called for the completion of appropriations bills that would benefit rural hospitals through direct financial assistance initiatives.

Craig Thompson, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, remarked that NRHD offers an invaluable chance to engage policymakers about pressing issues such as maternal health and healthcare staffing. Moreover, recommendations to key congressional members included safeguarding essential Medicare programs and addressing potential increases in drug prices affecting low-income patients.

The Future of Rural Healthcare

Looking towards Fiscal Year 2026 and beyond, rural health system leaders urged more robust federal investments across healthcare agencies to tackle critical issues like nursing shortages and mental health services. They reiterated that federal funding, especially through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), can facilitate the completion of significant healthcare projects which traditional funding structures do not support.

Kirk Soileau, CEO of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, highlighted their request for funds to procure a PET/CT scanner as a prime example of a project that could significantly enhance local healthcare capabilities.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Advocacy

The success of Merchant McIntyre's NRHD Fly-In illustrates the essential role of rural healthcare in community health. It underscores the necessity for leaders in this sector to voice their needs and collaborate with government officials to strengthen the healthcare framework in rural America. As Brent Merchant, co-founder and Principal at Merchant McIntyre, articulated, it is critical for rural health leaders to advocate for sustainable solutions that genuinely impact their communities. The event not only showcased rural providers' commitment but also dove into the tangible benefits that federal programs can yield for patients and families in their regions.