Rural Hospital Closures Threaten Critical Care Access
Rural hospitals across the US face closure due to significantly lower insurance reimbursements compared to urban counterparts, as exemplified by the recent closure of Midcoast Medical Center in Texas. This disparity, primarily stemming from Medicare and Medicaid payments, leaves hundreds of facilities at risk, with over 300 considered immediately vulnerable. Proposed Medicaid cuts further jeopardize rural healthcare access, potentially leaving millions uninsured and exacerbating existing challenges. The closure of Midcoast highlights the devastating impact on communities, increasing travel times to emergency care and threatening lives.
John Q. Hosedrinker