Industry
MHPA Marks National Rural Health Day, Cites Medicaid's Rural Role
In a National Rural Health Day post, Medicaid Health Plans of America highlights Medicaid's role in sustaining rural health care access across the country. The post cites data showing Medicaid covers roughly 25% of rural residents under 65, including 47% of children in small towns and rural areas, and funds a large share of Rural Health Clinic and Federally Qualified Health Center patients. It points to ongoing rural challenges including physician shortages, more than 150 rural hospital closures since 2005, and gaps in broadband access limiting telehealth use. MHPA frames Medicaid as a key economic and clinical support for rural hospitals, clinics, and telehealth expansion.
Why it mattersFor state Medicaid agencies and rural providers, Medicaid remains the dominant payer keeping rural hospitals, FQHCs, and RHCs financially viable amid continued closure risk and workforce shortages.