Shrinking Rural Healthcare

The Rural Health Transformation Program was designed as a $50 billion safety net to improve rural health access, but Medicaid cuts are causing states to encourage hospitals to downsize instead of preserving this care. More than 100 rural hospitals have closed in the last decade, with no sign of this trend slowing in the years to come. Funding cuts to the Rural Health Transformation Program continue to put access to this care at risk. There are alternate ways to respond to these cuts, but states are focused on cost-cutting and consolidating services, rather than finding innovative ways to curb this crisis. Plans for fund distribution vary state by state, but at least 25 states will require rural hospital systems to downsize in order to receive funding. Our Health Equity advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans, no matter where they live. Read more here.