The Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform has reported that nearly 700 rural hospitals – one-third of all rural hospitals in the country – are at risk of closing because of serious financial problems. Of those, 260 rural hospitals are at risk of immediate closure. This is in addition to the more than 100 rural hospitals that closed between 2016 and 2026. Rural hospitals are at risk of closing in all but four states.
The report stated that over 40% of the country’s rural hospitals lose money delivering patient services and that over 25% lose money overall. The hospitals at greatest risk of closing have low financial reserves.
This report raises serious concerns because the closure of rural hospitals leave rural residents not only without a local hospital when they need inpatient care, but also without access to other essential healthcare services, such as lab tests, imaging, and primary care. The closure of rural hospitals also impacts the economy of these communities, as it is difficult to attract and retain employers and workers when healthcare services are not available.
The Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform report is linked here.