Rural hospital vulnerability was highest in the Southeast, part of the Southwest, and the Great Plains. According to Chartis, struggling facilities here and in other areas should take advantage of CMS’ new Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation, which could allow them to retain certain services. The downside is that REH facilities are unable to provide inpatient care, participate in the 340B drug program, or take advantage of swing beds.

Moreover, the organization encourages rural healthcare leaders and advocates to question if Medicare Advantage guidelines could be adjusted to align more with traditional Medicare, and if amendments can be added to REH conversion requirements to preserve swing bed and 340B drug program access.


It also suggests hybrid models between rural and urban resources to preserve access to services and calls on leaders to figure out what actions they can take on local, state, and federal levels to address staffing shortages and introduce new services.

“These efforts will have to be accompanied by innovative ideas that can ensure rural communities have appropriate and affordable access to the care they need,” said Chartis.

Back to HCB News

U.S. Healthcare Homepage