Closed hospital sign Despite their central role in providing rural health services, more than 100 rural hospitals have closed over the past 15 years. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Many rural Americans are squeezed between greater health care needs and fewer resources. Although adults living in rural areas are more likely to live in poverty and have greater unmet health needs than those in urban areas, there is a severe shortage of primary care, behavioral health and other specialty care providers.

Despite their central role in providing rural health services, more than 100 rural hospitals have closed over the past 15 years, and many of those that remain open have merged with other hospitals or health systems. After a merger, hospitals may reduce service lines that are less profitable or that duplicate services offered by merger partners. Reductions in services provided by these hospitals may be associated with negative health outcomes if patients must travel farther to receive care or if clinicians who offered those services move from the area.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

 

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.