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N.Y.C. Council speaker calls on Mayor Eric Adams to resign; KY could do more to protect kids from accidental drug ingestion, shootings; OH food banks face fed funding uncertainty, DeWine budget cuts; Protesters say Trump administration actions 'cast aside democracy.'

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On a Middle East visit, Sen. Richard Blumenthal rejects a Gaza takeover. President's Day protests erupt around the country against White House moves, and another aviation accident draws attention to recent FAA cuts.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Help available for some rural hospitals on brink of closing

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Wednesday, December 18, 2024   

A new federal program launching next year is designed to help rural hospitals struggling to stay afloat.

Eight hospitals in Oregon are among about 360 rural hospitals at risk of closing because of severe financial problems, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

To combat the problem, the National Rural Health Resource Center is launching the federal Rural Hospital Stabilization pilot program.

Alyssa Meller, chief operating officer for the National Rural Health Resource Center, said the program will offer technical assistance for up to two years to an initial cohort of eight hospitals and virtual community support to 12 more.

"It is a program that's aiming to improve the health care in rural communities by really helping keep health care services available locally," Meller explained. "To increase patient volume and improve revenue."

Meller pointed out the program will help engage the hospitals' communities to promote services, too. The application period opens today and closes Jan. 15.

Research shows the main factor putting hundreds of rural hospitals at risk of closure is private insurance plans reimburse them less than the cost of providing patient care. Meller noted operating costs often exceed reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, meaning smaller hospitals may lack the services tailored to the needs of local residents who may choose to go elsewhere for care.

"This program then will help stabilize their current service line," Meller emphasized. "But also will help them dive into what is needed at that local level, and provide technical assistance and support."

Meller added by last week, about 300 hospitals had already registered for Wednesday's virtual information session about the program.


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