Lawmakers propose fixing a drug discount program hampering rural hospital access to federal lifeline.

An obscure drug discount program hinders the use of federal lifeline for rural hospitals, according to recent proposals by Capitol Hill lawmakers. They aim to fix the federal program designed to keep essential services in small towns. Rural hospital leader Eric Briesemeister is monitoring Congress' progress. His 22-bed hospital, which averages seven inpatients nightly, has not benefitted from the program's growth.