Rural hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities face significant risks due to reductions in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements and the rising cost of health insurance.  The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for ACA premiums at the end of 2025 is expected to increase the number of uninsured individuals, leading to greater reliance on uncompensated emergency care. This trend threatens the financial stability of rural healthcare providers. 

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion and increase the number of uninsured people by 7.8 million nationwide, including 170,000 in Minnesota.  As the uninsured population grows, rural hospitals will experience additional financial strain. 

A sustainable and equitable solution requires collaboration among government, insurers, and healthcare providers to ensure coverage, maintain facility viability, and uphold high standards of care.  We are one of the richest countries in the world.  We should be able to figure this out.