From Newsweek · · 1m 20s
Rural Hospitals Must Review Claims Before Cutting Care
Rural hospitals should review insurance claims before reducing services to protect community access to care.
In brief
Rural hospitals should review insurance claims before reducing services to protect community access to care. Rural hospitals must review unpaid insurance claims before cutting services to prevent reduced healthcare access for communities. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Rural Hospital Closures Impact Communities
A parent may need a longer journey for urgent care. An older resident may have to find someone willing to drive farther for treatment.
Rural America's Healthcare Needs
The U.S. Census Bureau counted approximately 66.3 million rural residents in 2020, representing approximately 20 percent of the population.
Hospital Closures Since 2005
The University of North Carolina’s Sheps Center records 109 complete rural hospital closures since January 2005, alongside 88 conversions that ended inpatient services.
Increased Distance to Care
A Government Accountability Office analysis found the median distance to general inpatient care increased by about 20 miles after rural hospital closures.
43% of Hospitals Operating at a Loss
An October Becker’s Hospital Review report cited 43 percent of hospitals operating at a loss based on August 2026 data.
Review Claims Before Cutting Services
Hospital leaders should review and recover legitimate insurance payments before reducing services to protect access to care.
Protecting Local Healthcare Access
Rural families cannot resolve institutional problems themselves; they can reasonably expect healthcare providers to pursue options within reach.
The short version
Rural hospitals must review unpaid insurance claims before cutting services to prevent reduced healthcare access for communities.
