The Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform found there are 646 rural hospitals at risk of closure due to financial problems. This affects about 30 percent of all rural hospitals in the U.S., according to the center.
Most of the losses are on patient services because health plans aren’t covering the cost of care. The losses will likely worsen with ongoing inflation and workforce shortages, according to the report.
Although rural hospitals are receiving some support through grants, local tax revenues or their own profits, they still have low financial reserves and remain at risk.
More than half the states in the country report 25% or more of their rural hospitals are at risk of closure. More than 200 facilities nationwide are at immediate risk.
Texas is the highest in the nation, with 81 at-risk hospitals. Read more.
