More than 30% of rural hospitals could close, analysis finds

More than 700 rural hospitals, comprising over 30% of all rural U.S. hospitals, are “at risk” of closing due to financial hardship, a Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform analysis found. Closures in rural communities force residents to travel long distances for emergency or inpatient care. The Pittsburgh-based organization says most rural hospitals face financial challenges because costs to deliver care are higher in smaller communities due to their being fewer patients than in urban areas, and many health insurance plans do not pay enough to cover costs. The organization recommends requiring health insurance payments to cover the cost of services in rural areas and for public and private payers to provide additional payments to ensure health workers are available to provide treatment. (HealthLeaders Media article, 8/19/24)