AHA Report Warns Rural Hospital Access Is Eroding
The American Hospital Association released a report warning that access to care in rural communities is increasingly at risk due to workforce shortages, financial pressures and policy changes. More than 46 million Americans rely on rural hospitals facing low patient volumes, geographic isolation and inadequate reimbursement, compounded by Medicaid reductions, the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and growing Medicare Advantage pressures. The report finds over 40% of rural hospitals operate at a financial loss, and more than 150 have closed or converted since 2010. AHA calls for reversing Medicaid cuts, directing Rural Health Transformation Program funds to rural hospitals, modernizing rural payment models, expanding telehealth, addressing insurer practices, investing in workforce, and protecting the 340B program.