Issues: Rural Hospitals

No Dem Left Behind is working to represent rural America and motivate the political world to do the same. When we have a chance to make life better for rural Americans, we need to strike at the opportunity. Since 2005, 104 rural hospitals in the United States have closed, and an additional 600 rural hospitals, constituting 30% of all rural hospitals, are at risk of closing soon, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. The closures are attributed to financial losses incurred while providing services to patients. Many hospitals historically received grants, local tax revenues, or subsidies to offset these losses, but the availability and sufficiency of these funds are uncertain amid persistent workforce shortages, rising costs, and reimbursement challenges. States like Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma have experienced a significant number of rural hospital closures and losses on services, highlighting the widespread issue across the country.

The National Health Board uses the case study of rural Pennsylvania to provide an example of this trend. In their research they conclude that the rising cost of healthcare in rural Pennsylvania is jeopardizing the survival of some hospitals, as highlighted in a meeting held by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Hospitals are grappling with challenges, particularly a shortage of staff, impacting services such as maternity care. Some pregnant individuals in rural areas have to travel nearly 40 minutes to reach a hospital for assistance during birth, exceeding the recommended 30-minute travel time. 

Recommendations from the meeting include providing more assistance to cover students’ costs and enhancing medical education in rural areas by offering clinical settings. Hospitals are resorting to hiring agency workers at higher rates to address staffing gaps. The consolidation of hospitals and regional service provision is suggested to help address these challenges, and calls are made for the establishment of a workforce reform advisory council to tackle the healthcare workforce crisis in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the implementation of a professional licensure compact is proposed to facilitate the recruitment of healthcare professionals from other states.