Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Health Bill Could Undercut Rural Hospitals Already In Financial Distress
When you pull into Hugo, a town 100 miles east of Denver on Highway 287, you're greeted by one grocery store, one restaurant, one liquor store, one historic railroad roundhouse, two bars and a single antique store by the name of Main Street Mama's. (Daley, 7/1)
Nationwide, about 80 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, according to the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Another 673 rural hospitals are in danger of shutting their doors. Many providers worry that the newly proposed health care legislation -- and in particular its proposed cuts to Medicaid -- could push a number of hospitals over the edge. (Nedelman, 7/1)
The doctor is in. But he's the only one for miles. (Hillyard, 7/2)
