Rural issues
Over 1,200 rural leaders are gathered at the AHA 2025 Rural Health Care Leadership Conference in San Antonio this week. Discussions about challenges and opportunities facing the field range from hospital leadership to grassroots advocacy.
In his welcoming remarks, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack discussed some of the immediate threats to rural hospitals' well-being due to possible federal budget cuts to Medicaid, the 340B program and site-neutral payment policies. He urged attendees to “light up the switchboards” on Capitol Hill…
A new AHA report highlights how certain practices by Medicare Advantage plans are increasing rural hospitals' vulnerabilities and threatening access to care in rural communities.
Rural hospitals play a vital role in the health and economic stability of their communities, serving as lifelines for care and major local employers.
The AHA today announced the team from Columbia Memorial Hospital, a critical access hospital in Astoria, Ore., is the 2024 recipient of the Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award. The award recognizes rural hospital leaders who guide their hospitals and communities through change and innovation.…
Please ask your senators and representatives to prevent Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts from taking effect; extend enhanced low-volume adjustment and Medicare-dependent hospital programs that expand access to care in rural areas; and extend telehealth and hospital-at-home…
The Honorable Chuck GrassleyUnited States Senate135 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510The Honorable Peter WelchUnited States Senate124 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510Re: Rural Hospital Support Act Dear Senator Grassley and Senator Welch:
Monadnock Community Hospital’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program is closing care gaps in the rural community of Peterborough, N.H., and the eastern Monadnock region.
AHA comments on draft Medicare graduate medical education (GME) reform package (KEL24743 MP2).