On May 20, 2025 the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act was introduced in congress, sponsored by Texas District 19 Representative Jodey C. Arrington. This bill, officially known as Public Law No: 119-21 is backed by President Donald Trump and was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The intention of the bill is listed as involving tax deductions, cutting medicaid spending, and expanding SNAP benefit requirements, among many other things. Practically every aspect of the American economy is touched on in this roughly 800 page document. However, one pressing issue garnering much attention and concern is how this bill will affect the healthcare industry, especially in small rural communities such as those found in Montgomery and Carroll counties. To investigate this subject further, The Winona Times/Conservative sought input from local clinicians and hospital staff.
We interviewed Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital staff on the subject. Tyler Holmes’ Chief Operating Officer Kim Timbs (Registered Nurse), Chief Executive Officer Cori Bailey, and Community Outreach Coordinator Christie Huff (Licensed Practical Nurse) gave their insight on how the OBBBA will affect local healthcare providers such as THMH.
“It’s going to affect rural healthcare in America, we know that for a fact. We just don’t know, specifically for Tyler Holmes Hospital, how it’s going to affect us.” COO Kim Timbs stated immediately in the interview.
COO Timbs went on to state that she anticipates changes to the Affordable Care Act under the OBBBA. However, she is uncertain how those changes will be implemented or take place. According to the American Medical Association, changes to the ACA could include increased costs for enrollees, policy changes, and the expiration of premium tax credits among other items.
“As far as Tyler Holmes, here, how we’re preparing for it is; we’re trying to learn as much about it as we can.” Chief Operating Officer Timbs stated.
She went on to add that currently, THMH staff are being vigilant to the actions and changes in legislation. We are doing our very best to learn as much as possible so that we can be totally prepared for the changes that may occur.
“We believe there will be some changes to Medicaid, but we are unsure of the details” Timbs said.
“One very good item that was included in the OBBB is the Rural Health Transformation piece. We are hopeful that our hospital will receive some of these funds to possibly add needed equipment or services to better serve our patients.”
She explained that in order to be awarded this money, each state needed to apply for it, which Mississippi did, so MS is eligible for one-billion dollars of these funds. Next, each rural healthcare entity is supposed to create a budgeted list that outlines how much they are requesting in assistance and what the funding will be used for. These are to be submitted to the Governor’s office. In addition, this funding is specified to be used for patient care needs. Money awarded from this program is expected to benefit patients directly and cannot be used for other necessities such as paying hospital electric bills, for example. These funds are expected to be used to expand patient services, such as hiring another physician or purchasing equipment such as MRI machines or mammography machines.
“Any new services that we can offer our community will be greatly appreciated, so we are excited about the possibilities. - Any service we can offer here in our community to keep somebody from having to drive to Jackson or Greenwood, or even Grenada, is a win. Because it helps our community, and that’s first and foremost on all of our minds.” Timbs added.
“The state will get the money, the hospitals have to apply for it, and one of the things Dr. Edney told us - it’s gotta be sustainable. Whatever we get this money for has got to be sustainable beyond year one.” CEO Cori Bailey stated regarding a meeting with the State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney that took place in December of 2025.
Timbs and Bailey exemplified this as THMH purchasing an MRI machine or starting a traveling/van clinic. They explained that the purpose of these funds would be to bring access to care to the community. In addition, both agreed that it is still uncertain how this funding will be divided among all applicable hospitals in the state. It is uncertain whether each applicant hospital will get comparable funds or if some will be prioritized over others.
“Again, as time goes by we know that we will learn even more about the application process and exactly what this will mean for us, but we believe it will add great healthcare resources for our community” COO Timbs finished.
Ultimately, much is still unknown and uncertain when it comes to how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will affect rural healthcare and rural communities as a whole.
This coverage is supported by a grant from Press Forward Mississippi, part of a nationwide philanthropic effort to strengthen local news so communities stay informed, connected and engaged.
